What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine is a patient-centred approach to healthcare with over 125 years of use in North America in the prevention and treatment of disease and optimization of overall health. In Ontario, the practice of Naturopathic Medicine is regulated by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario.  

The 6 basic tenets of Naturopathic Medicine: 

1. first, do no harm ( primum non nocere ) 

1. identify and treat the causes ( tolle causam ) 

1. doctor as teacher ( docere ) 

1. treat the whole person 

1. emphasize prevention 

1. support the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) 

to learn more about naturopathic medicine, visit www.oand.org or www.cand.ca 

How are NDs trained?

Naturopathic Doctors are highly trained professionals specializing in the practice of natural medicine to support and stimulate healing processes. ND is a protected title granted to only those with the education and qualifications to meet the standards set out by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario. 

All licensed NDs obtain a total of 7-8 years of post-secondary education with at least 3 years of university-level education and an additional 4 years post-graduate training at an accredited Naturopathic Medical school where they are trained to medically diagnosis using physical exam, conventional laboratory testing, and clinical case-taking. NDs are also trained to use specialized labs tests such as food sensitivity testing, salivary and urinary hormone testing, neurotransmitter metabolite testing, and more.  

What do Naturopathic Doctors do?

Naturopathic doctors investigate, diagnose, and treat patients with a patient-centered approach utilizing a variety of natural modalities such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, mind-body medicine, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and more. The combination of treatments recommended to each patient is highly individualized and carefully selected based on the entirety of the patient’s health concerns, medical history, and goals. Treatment emphasizes both acute relief of symptoms as well as preventative self-care and long-term positive health outcomes. 

• Conduct a complete initial Naturopathic assessment, taking the time necessary to collect all relevant information 

• Thoroughly investigate the underlying cause of the patient’s condition, to understand the ‘why,’ rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment 

• Order conventional blood and lab tests as well as alternative naturopathic testing 

• Always choose best medicine practices, referring when appropriate for biomedical care or pharmaceutical intervention when in patient’s best interest 

• Cooperate with other branches of medical science, encouraging integrative care 

What are evidence-based approaches?

Evidence-based approaches include treatments that are supported by the best available clinical and scientific evidence combined with the patient’s needs and values, for the best outcome. The personalized therapies, strategies, and guidance are chosen conscientiously combining scientific research and traditional medicine teachings to prioritize safety and efficacy while remaining true to Naturopathic principles of identifying the root cause and treating the whole person.

Are Naturopathic Doctors able to order blood tests and other diagnostic tests?

Yes, Naturopathic Doctors licensed in the province of Ontario under CONO are able to offer a broad array of testing through blood, saliva, hair, and urine. Sometimes patients already have a sense of what tests they would like to help investigate their health concerns. If you are unsure if your Naturopath can order these tests book a complementary discovery call or email Dr. Graham ND directly at jaclyn@drgrahamnd.com.

Comprehensive List of Tests Offered

Under the regulations made under the LSCCLA, a naturopath is authorized to requisition the collection of specimens from patients in a specimen collection centre or laboratory. The authority is limited to the following 194 tests and are not covered by OHIP.  

Please visit our lab testing services page for more detail on the range of tests available to Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario.