FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions about Naturopathic Medicine

FAQs

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine belongs to the healthcare system, but consists of a different branch of activity. The main focus on naturopathic healthcare is to rebalance the health by use of natural remedies meant to support the natural ability of the body to heal itself. It combines traditional, natural forms of medicine with the latest scientific discoveries. Some of the types of treatment included in the domain of naturopathic medicine are: traditional Asian medicine, homeopathy, clinical nutrition counselling, botanical healthcare, lifestyle counselling and more.
What is the difference between naturopathic medicine and traditional healthcare services?

Professionals providing healthcare services follow a similar formation. However, there is a difference between a Toronto naturopath and Toronto conventional doctor. Unlike conventional doctors, who treat the patient based on assessment of symptoms, a naturopath in Toronto will try to uncover the underlying cause of the illness. The naturopath uses natural, non-invasive techniques and treatment schemes in order to allow the body regenerate and fight the illness with its own resources (and there are plenty of them), with a bit of natural support. Drug based treatments or surgical interventions are of course, extremely necessary in critical situations, but they can have a powerful impact on the inner balance of one’s natural ability to self-heal.
Are naturopathic treatments reimbursed by insurance?

Currently, naturopathic treatments are not covered by OHIP. However, some companies have understood the efficiency on such treatments on their employees. In order to increase work performance and to reduce healthcare costs, they have decided to include naturopathic treatments in the health insurance packages. If you are lucky to benefit from such special coverage, make sure you keep the invoice received after the treatment and submit it to the insurer; the company will reimburse you the cost of the treatment.
How can I benefit from naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic healthcare covers a range of affections, from light allergies to chronic illnesses, treating both the mind and the body. The following categories of patients can successfully complement traditional treatments with naturopathic solutions in order to cure, ameliorate or recover from illnesses such as:

People looking to complement traditional treatments with natural remedies in order to reduce the impact of drug/chemical/surgical treatments or to speed up recovery.

People suffering from chronic conditions seeking alternative types of treatment. A natural approach to life threatening conditions may lead to positive, life improving results (on short terms or long term).

People with a number of particular symptoms that remained unaddressed by regular doctors;

People who want to prevent diseases and take a healthier approach to life
What would my Naturopath visit require?

A visit to a Toronto downtown naturopath is more relaxing and complex than a visit to a regular doctor. The naturopath is generally interested in all aspects of your life, including mental, physical and emotional aspects. A summary of your health history will be compiled in order to create a realistic picture of your current health state. The visit lasts around an hour. Additional information that a naturopath in Toronto may require during a visit refers to: lifestyle, diet, current treatments. By the end of the visit, the naturopath will be able to determine a tailored intervention plan that fits your current condition, as well as recommending additional tests/inquiries.
Are Naturopathic Doctors regulated in Ontario?

Yes. Canadian naturopathic doctors are also regulated in British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. According to the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act, Naturopathic professionals are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N). This institution makes sure that all naturopaths are properly qualified to practice naturopathic medicine and that they adhere to the current standards of practice. The new Naturopathy Act in Ontario was approved in 2007, and is still in work to finally be completed. At the time the College of Naturopathy will be regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, naturopathic doctors will enter the rows of the other health professionals.
What kind of education has a registered Toronto naturopathic doctor in Ontario?
The formation of a Toronto Naturopathic professional is similar to the formation of a medical doctor.
Graduate a Post-secondary pre-med institution.

Following, attending an accredited four-year program at an approved college of naturopathic medicine. Across the four years, students need to gather over 4,500 hours of theoretical training, as well as 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practicum. Courses include clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, medical science basis. Graduates will receive the title of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND).

In order to become a licensed ND, graduates must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). This is a standard exam across all regulated provinces and states across North America.

On-going training and education will help licenses ND’s maintain their license and become active and significant members of the regulatory body.
List of Insurance Providers with Direct Claims Processing

Web-based claims services provide a direct link between providers and insurers for faster claims processing and increased accuracy. Common insurance providers include:

Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan: http://www.chambers.ca/

Cowan Insurance Group: http://www.cowangroup.ca/

Desjardins: https://www.desjardins.com/ca/index.jsp

Great-West Life Assurance Company: http://www.greatwestlife.com/001/Home/index.htm

Industrial Alliance and Assurance Insurance and Financial Services Inc: https://ia.ca/individuals

Johnson: https://www1.johnson.ca/

Johnston Group: http://www.johnstongroup.ca/index.php?lang=en

Maximum Benefit: http://www.maximumbenefit.ca/

Standard Life: http://www.standardlife.ca/en/

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada: https://www.sunlife.ca/
Other Important Resources

College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO): http://www.collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca

Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND): http://www.oand.org

Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND): http://www.cand.ca

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM): http://www.ccnm.edu

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