Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a Naturopathic Doctor?  (ND) 
    A Naturopathic Doctor is a highly educated primary care provider that specializes in integrative and holistic medicine. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I focus on each patient as an individual. My goal is to determine the root cause of your condition and treat at a deeper level instead of simply masking the superficial layer of symptoms.  

    Let's look at an example to better explain our process: Acne.
    Many people experience acne  or pimples at some point during their lives. On a visit to an MD, your doc may suggest cutting down on certain foods, recommend     an oral contraceptive (for women), or a topical/oral retinoid (vitamin A) prescription. This approach may or may not suit your needs. As an ND, when someone comes into my office with acne, I think of four main suspects: hormones, digestive function, liver health, and diet. One patient with acne may have a dairy sensitivity upon testing, and elimination of all dairy products improves their acne by 85%. The next patient may have no dietary issues, but hormonal imbalances with PMS, painful periods, and mood swings. The next with a long history of digestive issues like IBS and heartburn, and we determine bacterial imbalances in the gut and insufficient stomach acid amounts. As an ND, I would treat all of these patients differently, even though on the surface they presented with the same concern. It is my job to take a thorough history of your concern and determine which other body system(s) and lifestyle factors may be playing a role.  If you are looking for a deeper understanding and are willing to take part in your health, naturopathic medicine is for you! 

    For more information on the treatments we use, you can explore the links above under Naturopathic Medicine. 

  2. What do Naturopathic Doctors treat?
     NDs treat a wide variety of conditions for the whole family ranging from acute to chronic conditions, including: 
           - Digestive concerns (IBS, IBD, gas, bloating, constipation) 
           - Hormonal health (PMS, menopause, fertility, PCOS, thyroid conditions) 
           - Mental health (anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress management)
           - Musculoskeletal complaints (muscle and joint pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, headaches and migraines) 
           - Chronic diseases (autoimmune diseases, diabetes, obesity, heart disease)
           - And much more 
    If you are still unsure if Naturopathic Medicine is right for you, feel free to contact me directly or book a free 15 minute consultation.  

  3. Will my visits be covered by OHIP? 
    At this time Naturopathic care is not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health insurance and benefit plans DO provide reasonable coverage for Naturopathic care. Check your coverage - you may be pleasantly surprised! We will work with you to make the most out of any benefits you do receive in order to provide you with consistent health care for you and your family. 

  4. Are Naturopathy and Homeopathy the same thing? 
    This is a very common misconception, but in short - no, not at all. Homeopathy is merely one modality or therapy that Naturopaths may use to help treat your health concerns. It is not the same, nor do homeopaths and naturopaths receive the same education or are licensed under the same regulating board. Some NDs use a lot of homeopathy, while others use very little or none. 

  5. Will you work with my Medical Doctor? 
    I believe strongly in integrative medicine and will work with you and your entire health team to ensure the best medical care for you and your family. Communication between health care providers is essential and I strive to maintain a healthy working relationship with a variety of professionals including MDs, chiropractors, osteopaths, massage therapists and more. There is an important place for both NDs and MDs in our health care system and a mutual respect for all kinds of medicine is paramount. 

  6. What will my first visit be like? 
    At your first visit we will likely spend a significant amount of time (30-45min) gathering information on your current health concerns and any important health history. If time permits a complaint oriented physical exam will also be preformed. In addition we may choose to perform diagnostic or laboratory testing to better assess your individual health. Depending on your health goals we will also provide a basic treatment plan at the end of your first visit. Is it a good idea to arrive 10-15 min before your first appointment to complete any necessary paperwork and to make the most out of your appointment time. If you have any existing health records or lab work please bring these documents with you. 

  7. What kind of treatment can I expect? 
    Naturopathic doctors use a variety of therapies depending on what condition and patient they are treating. No two people are the same and thus no two treatment plans should be the same either. For more information on the treatments that NDs use, click here. 

  8. What kind of education do Naturopathic Doctors receive? 
    All licensed NDs have at least seven years of post-secondary education, including an intensive 4 year program at an accredited naturopathic college. For additional information on the education and regulation of licensed NDs in Ontario you can visit the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Medicine page here or visit the Education and Licensure page. 

  9. Is there any science or research behind Naturopathic Medicine? 
    There is a wealth of scientific studies and research that confirm the effectiveness of Naturopathic Medicine. I use evidence based medicine to make the best clinical decisions for my patients taking into account their concerns, medical history, risk factors, and any medications they may be taking. I strive in keeping up to date on the most recent medical research and am always more than happy to discuss with patients why I am choosing specific treatment options for them. 

Still not sure? Book a free 15-minute consultation to have your questions answered.