Naturopathy
“Do you know what they call alternative medicine that’s been proven to work?
- Medicine.”
What is Naturopathy? As stated by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC):
"Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care profession that combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science.
Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care providers who diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions, while addressing disease and dysfunction at the level of body, mind and spirit."
Naturopathic Medical Doctors practice following the 6 Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
First, Do No Harm
Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.The Healing Power of Nature
Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.Identify and Treat the Causes
Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.Doctor as Teacher
Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.Treat the Whole Person
View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.Prevention
Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.
✅ Common Conditions Treated by Naturopaths:
🌿 Digestive Issues
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Acid reflux (GERD)
Constipation or diarrhea
Food sensitivities and intolerances
Bloating and indigestion
Leaky gut syndrome
🌿 Hormonal Imbalances
Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s)
Adrenal fatigue / chronic stress
PMS and menstrual irregularities
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Menopause symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings)
Low testosterone
🌿 Chronic Pain & Inflammation
Arthritis and joint pain
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Migraines and headaches
🌿 Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
Anxiety and stress
Depression
Sleep disorders (insomnia)
Burnout
🌿 Skin Conditions
Eczema
Psoriasis
Acne
Rosacea
Chronic hives or rashes
🌿 Immune System Support
Frequent colds or infections
Autoimmune conditions
Allergies (environmental, food)
Long COVID symptoms
🌿 Metabolic & Cardiovascular Health
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
Weight management
🌿 Women’s & Men’s Health
Fertility support
Pregnancy support
Perimenopause/Menopause care
Erectile dysfunction
Prostate health
🌿 Children’s Health
ADHD / focus issues
Eczema / asthma
Food sensitivities
Digestive concerns
Immune system support
🌿 Preventive Care & Wellness
Detoxification programs
Anti-aging and vitality support
Nutritional optimization
General health checkups from a holistic perspective
Naturopath Frequently Asked Questions:
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Yes! We are able to do direct billing. Please note, that most insurance plans do not allow for direct billing for Naturopathy. Contact your insurance company to see if your plan allows for direct billing.
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Medical doctors (MDs) are trained in conventional medicine, focusing on diagnosing and treating medical conditions using pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions. Naturopathic doctors (NDs), diagnose and treat health conditions emphasizing holistic and natural approaches to healthcare, focusing on prevention and wellness through lifestyle changes, nutritional therapies, and herbal remedies.
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Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are healthcare professionals who have a broader scope of practice, combining natural and holistic therapies with conventional medical knowledge. They can diagnose and treat medical conditions and often incorporate nutrition as a part of their treatment plans. Nutritionists, on the other hand, are specialists in dietary and nutritional aspects, providing guidance on meal planning and dietary choices but typically don't have the medical training or authority to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
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Unfortunately, you can not use Acupuncture Coverage for Naturopathic Appointments. You can only use Naturopathic Coverage for Naturopathic Appointments. You can only use Acupuncture Coverage with a registered Acupuncturist or Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor. Insurance is billed based on the healthcare professional you see.
For example, if you get acupuncture with a Naturopathic Doctor it is covered under Naturopathic Coverage. If you get acupuncture with a Physiotherapist, it will be covered under your Physiotherapy Coverage.
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Licensed naturopaths who are regulated and in good standing can order standard laboratory tests such as:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Thyroid panels (TSH, T3, T4)
Vitamin and mineral levels (e.g., B12, Vitamin D, Iron)
Blood sugar and insulin
Cholesterol and lipid panels
Hormone testing
Inflammatory markers (like CRP)
Food sensitivity panels
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ChatGPT said:
No, naturopaths in Canada cannot prescribe Ozempic (semaglutide), as it is a prescription medication typically prescribed by a licensed medical doctor (MD), endocrinologist, or nurse practitioner.
Why Naturopaths Don’t Prescribe Ozempic:
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes and more recently for weight loss under brand names like Wegovy.
It requires close monitoring due to possible side effects, including nausea, pancreatitis, and thyroid concerns.
In Canada, prescribing rights for controlled or restricted drugs like Ozempic are generally not granted to naturopathic doctors, even in provinces where naturopaths are regulated.
What Naturopaths May Offer Instead:
Naturopaths focus on natural, holistic approaches to blood sugar regulation and weight management, such as:
Nutrition and dietary counselling
Herbal and nutritional supplements
Lifestyle modification plans
Stress and hormone balance
Functional medicine testing for insulin resistance, cortisol, and thyroid function
Summary:
Ozempic must be prescribed by a medical professional, not a naturopath. However, a naturopath can support your metabolic health naturally and may work collaboratively with your physician if you are on medications like Ozempic.
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Choosing a naturopathic doctor (ND) means choosing a holistic, personalized approach to health that focuses on treating the root cause of illness—not just managing symptoms. Naturopaths aim to support the body’s natural ability to heal using evidence-informed, natural therapies tailored to your unique needs.
🌿 Why Choose a Naturopath?
1. Root-Cause Focused
Naturopaths look beyond surface symptoms to uncover and treat the underlying cause of health concerns—whether it's digestive imbalances, hormonal issues, chronic inflammation, or stress.
2. Personalized, Holistic Care
Every treatment plan is tailored to you—addressing your body, mind, lifestyle, environment, and genetics. Care includes nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle coaching.
3. Natural, Non-Invasive Treatments
NDs prioritize safe, natural therapies that support your body with minimal side effects—perfect for those seeking drug-free or integrative options.
4. Time & Attention
Naturopathic visits are typically 45–90 minutes long, giving you time to fully discuss your concerns and health history—something many people feel is missing from conventional appointments.
5. Chronic Condition Support
Whether you're struggling with digestive issues, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, stress, or autoimmune conditions, naturopaths offer long-term support through diet, lifestyle, and functional testing.
6. Prevention-Focused
Naturopathic care emphasizes preventive medicine—keeping you healthy before illness develops, and optimizing wellness at every stage of life.
7. Collaborative Approach
NDs often work alongside family doctors, specialists, physiotherapists, and other practitioners to provide integrative, team-based care.
Common Reasons People Choose a Naturopath:
Tired of “band-aid” solutions
Want to understand their body and health better
Seeking natural fertility or hormone support
Struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout
Looking for a holistic approach to chronic pain or fatigue
Wanting to optimize digestion, skin, energy, or immunity
Summary:
Choosing a naturopath means taking charge of your health in a deeper, more natural way. With a focus on whole-body wellness, personalized care, and long-term solutions, naturopathy empowers you to feel your best—naturally.
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Seeing a naturopath for skin problems can be a highly effective, natural way to address chronic skin issues by targeting the root causes from the inside out. Rather than just treating the symptoms with topical creams, naturopathic doctors (NDs) use a holistic approach that includes diet, gut health, hormone balance, and inflammation control to restore healthy skin.
🌿 Common Skin Conditions Treated by Naturopaths:
Acne (teen or adult)
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Hives & chronic rashes
Dry or itchy skin
Skin sensitivity & allergic reactions
🧠 Root-Cause Approach to Skin Health:
✅ Gut-Skin Connection
Poor digestion, food sensitivities, and an imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger inflammation and show up on your skin. Naturopaths often use elimination diets, digestive support, and probiotics to heal from the inside.
✅ Hormone Balance
Conditions like acne and eczema are often linked to hormonal imbalances—such as PCOS, thyroid issues, or estrogen dominance. NDs assess hormone function and provide natural solutions to restore balance.
✅ Inflammation & Immune Support
Skin flare-ups often reflect systemic inflammation or an overactive immune response. Natural anti-inflammatories, herbs, and detoxification support can help calm and heal the skin.
✅ Stress & Adrenal Health
Chronic stress affects skin healing, immune health, and hormone balance. Naturopaths address stress through adaptogens, nutrient support, and lifestyle counseling.
✅ Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in zinc, omega-3s, vitamin D, and antioxidants are common in people with chronic skin issues. Naturopaths test for and correct these naturally.
🧴 What Treatments Do Naturopaths Use?
Personalized nutrition plans
Herbal and homeopathic remedies
Supplements for skin health
Hormone and gut testing
Detoxification and liver support
Natural topical treatments (when appropriate)
Lifestyle & stress management coaching
Why Choose a Naturopath for Skin Health?
Addresses root causes, not just symptoms
Offers a drug-free, natural solution
Provides personalized treatment
Supports long-term healing, not just short-term relief
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Yes, naturopaths can help with menopause symptoms by offering natural, personalized support to ease the physical and emotional transitions associated with hormonal changes. Naturopathic care focuses on balancing hormones, improving sleep, reducing hot flashes, stabilizing mood, and enhancing overall well-being—all without the need for synthetic hormones unless clinically necessary.
🌿 Common Menopause Symptoms Naturopaths Treat:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Fatigue and brain fog
Weight gain or metabolic slowdown
Vaginal dryness or discomfort
Low libido
Joint pain or stiffness
Hair thinning or skin changes
🔍 How Naturopaths Help with Menopause:
✅ Hormone Balancing
Naturopaths assess hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid) and use natural strategies—like herbal medicine, diet, and bioidentical hormone support (if permitted in your province)—to restore balance.
✅ Nutritional Support
Diet plays a huge role in managing symptoms. Naturopaths offer personalized nutrition plans rich in phytoestrogens, omega-3s, and antioxidants to support hormonal health and reduce inflammation.
✅ Botanical & Supplement Support
Herbs like black cohosh, chasteberry (Vitex), dong quai, and ashwagandha may help ease hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep problems—tailored to your symptoms and medical history.
✅ Lifestyle Coaching
Stress, poor sleep, and inactivity can make menopause worse. NDs offer guidance on exercise, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene to support a smoother transition.
✅ Functional Testing (If Needed)
Saliva or urine hormone tests, thyroid panels, and nutrient testing can help customize your care plan.
Why Choose a Naturopath for Menopause Support?
Holistic, non-hormonal options available
Personalized care—no one-size-fits-all approach
Focus on long-term health (bones, heart, mood)
Can complement conventional treatments if needed
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Yes, a naturopath can help with weight loss by addressing the underlying factors that make it difficult to lose weight—such as hormone imbalances, slow metabolism, poor digestion, stress, and inflammation. Rather than relying on restrictive diets or quick fixes, naturopathic doctors (NDs) offer a holistic, sustainable, and personalized approach to weight management.
🌿 How Naturopaths Support Weight Loss:
✅ Identify Underlying Causes
Naturopaths look at what’s really blocking weight loss, such as:
Thyroid dysfunction or low metabolism
Insulin resistance or blood sugar imbalances
Cortisol or adrenal fatigue
Gut microbiome imbalances
Inflammation or food intolerances
Hormonal issues like PCOS or menopause
✅ Personalized Nutrition Plans
Instead of one-size-fits-all diets, NDs design realistic and nourishing eating plans that match your body type, goals, and lifestyle—focusing on long-term habits, not short-term deprivation.
✅ Hormone & Metabolic Testing
Naturopaths may use saliva, urine, or blood tests to assess thyroid function, insulin levels, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and more to uncover what’s slowing your progress.
✅ Targeted Natural Support
Herbal remedies, supplements, and adaptogens can support fat metabolism, reduce cravings, balance blood sugar, and improve energy levels—especially when guided by testing.
✅ Lifestyle & Stress Management
Stress can block weight loss by raising cortisol, impacting sleep, and triggering emotional eating. NDs coach you on sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and stress resilience.
🧠 Why Choose a Naturopath for Weight Loss?
No crash diets or cookie-cutter plans
Sustainable, whole-body approach
Focus on energy, sleep, digestion, and mindset
Root-cause investigation to uncover hidden blocks
Collaboration with other practitioners if needed
Summary:
If you've tried everything and still struggle with weight, a naturopath can help you finally get to the root cause and build a plan that works with your body—not against it.