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Which health concerns and conditions can Naturopathic Medicine
address?
Conditions ranging from most acute concerns to almost all chronic
illness can benefit from naturopathic treatments. Age groups from
pediatrics to geriatrics, as well as special life stages such as
obstetrics and reproductive issues, can be approached effectively
through naturopathic medicine.
What are the main principles of Naturopathic Medicine?
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Treating patients as
individuals
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Discovering and
addressing root causes of illness
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Doctor = Teacher
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Embracing beneficial
change
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Empowerment of patients
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Prevention-based medicine
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First do No Harm
How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?
Naturopathic doctors are trained solely at accredited colleges and
institutes (of which there are only six in North America). Acceptance
to these colleges is dependent on the applicants completing a
university undergraduate degree. The course is a four year program
consisting of both classroom teaching, practical instruction, and a
clinical internship. The first year’s emphasis is on basic medical
sciences and is followed by an ever increasing instruction in the
modalities and principles of naturopathic medicine throughout years
two and three. The fourth and final year is a clinical internship
where interns interact directly with patients under the close guidance
of licensed naturopathic, chiropractic, and medical doctors for a
minimum of 1,500 hours. Continuing education requirements are also
mandatory throughout the professional career of naturopathic doctors.
Is Naturopathy regulated by the province?
Naturopathic medicine is regulate (licensed) in certain provinces and
states, however not in all. To practice in regulated areas, doctors
must not only graduate from an accredited college but must also pass
rigorous standardized board exams. Provinces that currently regulate
naturopathic medicine include British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and
Saskatchewan.
Will my naturopathic visits be covered by OHIP?
Visits
and treatments are not covered under OHIP, however some major health
insurance carriers do cover naturopathic treatments in their packages.
Check with your insurance carrier about the options in your package. |