Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine focuses on treating the whole person, considering the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person instead of focusing on just one symptom. Then, the body’s natural healing process is supported, encouraging healthy function to return.

The principles of naturopathic medicine emphasize the promotion of health, prevention of disease, use of therapies that minimize any harmful side effects, and patient education.

As such, naturopathic medicine is a collection of all “alternative” forms of medicine. Naturopathic medicine combines natural and traditional forms of medicine, including botanical medicine, vitamin and mineral supplementation, nutrition, acupuncture, massage, and spinal manipulation, with modern scientific advancements and knowledge to provide healing to patients.

Naturopathic medicine can be used in conjunction with conventional (allopathic) medicine to provide more long-term solutions. It can also be an alterative to conventional drug therapies which may cause side effects, or as an effective treatment on its own for chronic diseases. 

The advantages of naturopathic medicine include:

• Natural and traditional forms of medicine
• Emphasis on treating the whole person
• A focus on preventing disease
• A valid alternative to drug therapies which may have harmful side effects
• Treatment of chronic diseases that conventional medicine might not be able to effectively address
• Individualized treatment plans

Why Should I See a Naturopathic Physician?

In recent years, there has been a shift in interest back towards naturopathic medicine as patients seek safe, effective, non-drug therapies. Achieving and maintaining health is a life-long commitment. A naturopathic physician can help you develop long term health goals and get started.

If you are approaching naturopathic medicine as a proactive way to attain and maintain your health, a naturopathic physician can help you learn more about your body, how to take good care of it and how to maintain good health while preventing illness.

If you are approaching naturopathic medicine after being diagnosed with an illness, naturopathic medicine addresses the root cause of an illness, which leads to more long-term solutions.

Naturopathic medicine is individualized for every patient and you can see a naturopathic physician even if you are undergoing conventional medical treatment. Your naturopathic physician will work to develop a treatment plan that takes into account your unique health circumstance and any other treatments you are undergoing.

What treatment methods are used by naturopathic physicians?

Naturopathic treatment programs can include diet changes and lifestyle counselling, nutrition, detoxification programs, intravenous therapies, mind-body exercises, and prevention. These can be combined with treatment remedies and modalities such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation, Traditional Chinese Medicine/acupuncture, hydrotherapy and massage therapy.

Many naturopathic physicians in BC are also trained and licensed to prescribe an extensive list of prescription medications. These may be used along with the previously listed traditional naturopathic therapies, as deemed appropriate, to provide primary care with a focus on wellness and prevention.