Frequently Asked Questions
Naturopathic & Functional Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is medicine done differently - it's a unique system of health care that blends traditional therapies with modern-day science. A large majority of therapies that I use in practice are evidence-based, with the remainder being founded on clinically sound results.
My approach to health concerns and goals is two-tiered. First, I take into account the individual patient and your physical, mental, emotional, social and financial needs. Second, we come up with a plan that is results-focused. The goal is to treat you as the unique and amazing individual you are and help you feel better quickly while addressing the underlying causes of the illness or disease.
What does Naturopathic Medicine treat?
Naturopathic medicine is unique in that it can treat any illness - from the common cold, to chronic disease - either by directly addressing the cause of disease, or by supporting the body through conventional treatments and mitigating side effects of medication or therapies.
Some common concerns that naturopathic medicine is well-equipped to treat include:
cold + flu
fatigue, inflammation & body pain
stress, anxiety & depression
skin concerns
hormonal imbalance, menstrual difficulties & menopause
fertility + pregnancy
thyroid disfunction
autoimmune disease
chronic illnesses
What will you use to help me?
We use a combination of modalities unique to the individual patient, but generally include a combination of some or all of the following:
Clinical nutritional counseling
Lifestyle counseling
Traditional Chinese Medicine (herbal formulas, acupuncture, etc.)
Nutraceuticals (vitamins, minerals, etc.)
Botanical medicine (tablets/capsules, teas, tinctures)
Homeopathic medicine
Soft tissue body work and joint manipulation
What should I expect?
Before Your Visit
Before your first visit, you'll be sent a link to set up an account with OutSmart, the electronic medical records software that I use. This includes intake and consent forms, which you can send complete and submit at least 48 hours before your appointment.
If you have any recent health records or lab results, please bring these along for our review, as well as any medications or supplements you're taking.
First Visit
The first visit will be up to 75 minutes (60 minutes for pediatric patients), during which we will go through a thorough health history and focused physical exam to investigate your health concerns. Lab reports and health records can be requisitioned from your previous health care providers at this point as well. If required, blood work and advanced functional testing will be recommended.
Depending on the complexity of your concerns treatment will begin on either the first or second visit, but regardless, you will be sent home with some nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to get you started.
Second Visit
During your second visit we will review your care plan, which lays out the overarching strategy for your unique wellness journey. We will also review your lab test results, discuss more in-depth diet and lifestyle recommendations and your strategic supplementation plan.
Follow-Ups
Follow up visits are generally up to 45 minutes in length and are spread apart depending on your individual concerns and the degree of support you need. Once your health concerns have improved to an acceptable degree, you will be moved to a maintenance plan where we will check in with one another less frequently.
Maintenance
Naturopathic medicine is proactive in nature, meaning that we focus on prevention of disease and encourage regular check ups and yearly physical exams to ensure that everything is in working order. While we strive to help you feel better quickly, we want to make sure you stay on track by seeing you at least annually.
What Are Your Fees?
***Direct billing to most insurance companies is available, please inquire for more details***
Adult 75+ min intake - $279
Paediatric (age 0-13) 60+ min intake - $225
Prolonged follow-up (required for adult second appointments and reassessments) - $185
Follow-up - $155
Short follow-up - $110
Check-in - $55
Replacement lab requisition - $10
What kind of training is involved in becoming a Naturopathic Doctor?
Canada's only school offering a Bachelor in Naturopathy Degree is the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, offering a rigorous four year full-time program. Prerequisites for the program are an undergraduate post-secondary degree.
The naturopathic medical program entails basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics and 1200 hours of supervised clinical experience. Graduates must pass two sets of provincial licensing board exams with the Naturopathic American Board of Naturopathic Examiners and participate in ongoing continuing education.
Training is similar to that involved in becoming a conventional medical doctor, the main differences being in our underlying philosophies and therapies.
What are the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine?
First, do no harm by using the least invasive treatment possible, minimizing the risk of side effects.
To co-operate with the healing power of nature by promoting your body's innate ability to be well.
To address the fundamental causes of disease rather than suppressing symptoms.
To heal the whole person through individualized treatment instead of treating a set of symptoms. YOU are treated as a whole person.
To teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine. The best approach to health is to be proactive, take control and prevent problems before they start.
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