Toronto Naturopathic Medicine

The main difference between naturopathic and conventional medicine is the approach to treatment. Naturopathic Doctors address lifestyle, diet, mental emotional, and environmental aspects of health. Using natural, non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive therapies, a Toronto Naturopathic Doctor aims to find and treat the root cause of disease rather than just treating the symptoms. Naturopathic visits are also much longer than your average MD visit, ranging from 30 minutes to one hour. Naturopathic Doctors speak and understand the language of conventional medicine and can diagnose health conditions the same way Medical Doctors do. Instead of waiting for a disease to emerge, Naturopathic Doctors work to prevent them before they happen.

Yes. Naturopathic Doctors use therapies that are minimally invasive and least at risk of producing harmful side effects. One of the fundamental principles of Naturopathic Medicine is to “first do no harm”.

Toronto Naturopathic Doctors see a wide variety of patients of all different ages and are recognized as primary care providers. As such, they treat any medical condition that your Medical Doctor would treat, ranging from acute conditions to chronic disease. Some of the most common conditions that Naturopathic Doctors treat are: allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, digestive issues, endocrine disorders (i.e. diabetes, thyroid disorder), fertility issues, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, mental health disorders (i.e. anxiety, depression, stress-related disease, addictions), menopause, respiratory conditions and skin conditions.

Naturopathic Doctors use a variety of natural, non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical therapies to address a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional health. These therapies assist in supporting the body’s healing response and are often more effective when combined. Some of the most commonly used therapies include the following:

Clinical Nutrition: Dietary modification, nutritional supplements and the therapeutic use of foods can be used to address food intolerances, dietary imbalances, nutritional excesses and/or deficiencies that have been associated with many medical conditions.

Botanical Medicine: Plants and plant substances are highly effective and safe in the right dosage and form, and when used appropriately with other herbs and treatments. Herbs can be prepared in many forms – teas, tinctures, or capsules. Naturopathic Doctors are currently the only health care providers in Canada that are regulated for the use of botanical medicine.

Asian Medicine / Acupuncture: Acupuncture can assist the body in regulating the Chi, or vital energy of the body, to correct imbalances that lead to disease. It involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific meridian points that lie just under the skin. Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for a variety of concerns, including acute and chronic pain, digestive issues, menstrual irregularities, and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Prevention and Lifestyle Counselling: Naturopathic Doctors address all aspects of a person’s life, including diet, lifestyle, specific stressors, mental emotional status, physical activity, and occupational or environmental hazards. All these things play an important role in the overall makeup of a person’s health status and can dictate progression of healing or disease.

A Naturopathic Doctor will take time with you. Your initial visit will be 60 minutes in length and will include a comprehensive medical history, focused physical examination and a detailed discussion of your health goals and concerns. Your Naturopathic Doctor may also recommend diagnostic testing to fully understand your health status. Together, you will discuss treatment options and your Naturopathic Doctor will develop an individualized plan focused on addressing your health concerns.

Generally, patients will have an initial visit with a Naturopathic Doctor, followed by a second visit that includes a full physical examination, and a follow-up visit to assess how treatment is progressing. After this, many variables will influence how often you see your Naturopathic Doctor, such as compliance to treatment, and the complexity of your health concerns. As every individual is unique and responds to treatment differently, there is no set pattern to treatment protocols. As a general rule, visits are more frequent at the beginning of your treatment, and as your health improves, the frequency of visits will diminish.

Naturopathic Doctors have a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education, which includes a premedical undergraduate degree, and a four-year naturopathic medical degree from an accredited naturopathic medical school. The first two years of naturopathic medical school consist of education in the basic biomedical sciences, similar to that of conventional medical school. The last two years emphasize clinical education in natural therapeutics and include one full year of clinical internship. Prior to obtaining a license to practice in Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors must successfully write two rigorous North American wide entry-to-practice exams plus an additional set of provincial licensing board exams. Naturopathic Doctors are required to maintain their competency throughout their career by completing at least 70 hours of accredited continuing medical education courses every three years.

Naturopathic Doctors have an understanding of their limitations and when it is appropriate to refer their patients to other healthcare providers, such as Medical Doctors, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, etc. Your Naturopathic Doctor will work collaboratively with your existing health care team to ensure that you are receiving safe and effective care.

No. A referral is not necessary to be assessed or treated by a Naturopathic Doctor. However, we welcome patients who have been referred to a Naturopathic Doctor by their family doctor.

Yes. The majority of extended healthcare insurance plans do provide full or partial coverage for treatment by Naturopathic Doctors. Naturopathic services are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients will be provided with a detailed itemized receipt listing the services provided, the credentials of the Emkiro Naturopathic Doctor, as well as payment details for reimbursement.