FAQ: Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It is based on the healing power of nature and it supports and stimulates the body"s ability to heal itself. Naturopathic medicine is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies including: botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine / acupuncture, and prevention and lifestyle counselling. Learn more about naturopathic medicine.

How Does Naturopathic Medicine Compare to Conventional Medicine?

Both are doctors, both provide primary care and both are similarly trained. The primary differences between naturopathic and conventional medicine are the philosophical approach and the therapies used. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) treat patients as individuals by addressing the physical, environmental, lifestyle, attitudinal, and emotional aspects of health. This allows Naturopathic doctors to find and treat the cause of the disease using natural, non-invasive therapies. Allopathic doctors generally address and treat the symptoms of disease and use pharmaceutical therapies or surgery.

How Are Naturopathic Doctors Trained?

NDs obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors. NDs require three years of pre-med postsecondary education, plus four years of fulltime study at an approved college of naturopathic medicine. The four year program incorporates over 4,500 hours of classroom training in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Following the completion of their program, NDs must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America. NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body. To find out if your naturopathic doctor is licensed visit the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy.

What Treatments Do Naturopathic Doctors Use?

Naturopathic doctors are trained in clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine, Asian medicine, physical medicine, and homeopathy. Learn more about the naturopathic modalities.

What Types of Health Problems Can Be Treated?

Review the list of medical symptoms and conditions treatable with naturopathic medicine.

Is Naturopathic Medicine Scientific?

Many naturopathic therapies developed out of a rich history of use and have been validated by scientific research. For example, many herbs have been used effectively for centuries by various indigenous cultures. Much current research supports the direct link between many health conditions and diet and stress. The research supporting naturopathic medicine continues to grow and incorporate new scientific findings. You can learn more about on-going naturopathic research by visiting the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine"s research department website.

Do naturopaths receive training on pharmaceuticals?

Yes. Please see the table below. Naturopathic doctors practice in an integrative fashion, treating patients with non-pharmaceutical methods whenever safely possible. Prioritizing lifestyle changes, diet, prevention, herbal and nutritional medicine, and the prevailing mental and emotional conditions of the patient often limits the need for pharmaceuticals.

Training During Medical School	Naturopathic Physicians	Nurse Practitioners	Medical Doctors
Basic & Clinical Sciences (credits)	224.50	64	186
Supervised Clinical Practice	1548 hours (84 weeks)	610 hours	80 weeks (contact hours/week undefined)
Pharmacology Course Hours	72 hours	45 hours	no specific course required; incorporated into other coursework

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