Frequently Asked Questions – Naturopathic Medicine

Often people ask the Naturopaths at the clinic the following questions about naturopathic medicine.

What does initial visit entail?
When is it appropriate to seek Naturopathic care?
Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP?
What is the training to become a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine?
How is Naturopathic Medicine regulated?
Is Naturopathic Medicine the same as Homeopathy?
Is Naturopathic Medicine only used for prevention?
Does Naturopathic Medicine have scientific support?
Are all natural therapies safe?
Do you work with conventional care providers?
How long has the clinic been serving the people of Toronto?
What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, a Naturopath, Naturopathy and an ND?
Where is the clinic located?
What forms of payment are accepted?
How do I book an appointment?


What does initial visit entail?
Your first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor is approximately one hour. During this visit, you and the Naturopathic Doctor will discuss your presenting concerns, your health and family health history, your diet and lifestyle. Furthermore, your treatment goals and expectations will be addressed. There will also be a complaint based physical examination completed during this visit.
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When is it appropriate to seek Naturopathic care?
Most common health conditions treated by your family physician can also be treated by a Naturopathic Doctor. For some examples of what Naturopathic Medicine can treat, please see “conditions we treat”.

In order to determine if your health condition can be addressed through Naturopathic Medicine, we offer we offer a free 20 minute consultations for people who have questions regarding whether naturopathic medicine can help with their specific health concerns.
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Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP?
Whereas visits to Naturopathic Doctors are not currently covered under OHIP, most extended health insurance packages do provide coverage. You can contact your health insurance provider to determine your level of coverage.
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What is the training to become a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine?
A Naturopathic Doctor’s training includes a minimum of three years pre-medical university education followed by a four year, full time course of study at a recognized college of Naturopathic Medicine. Training at a Naturopathic College includes over 4200 hours of study in basic medical sciences, diagnostic and assessment skills and therapeutic techniques and 1500 hours of clinical internship.
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How is Naturopathic Medicine regulated?
Currently in Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors are regulated by the Board of Directors Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy under the Drugless Practitioners Act. Successful completion of two sets of North American examinations and one set of provincial exams allows applicants to become eligible to apply for a license to practice in the province of Ontario. The Board of Directors Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy is located at 112 Adelaide Street East in Toronto.
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Is Naturopathic Medicine the same as Homeopathy?
No, Naturopathic Medicine is not the same as Homeopathy. While there is some overlap in that Naturopathic Doctors do receive training in Homeopathy, there are many differences. They are:

    Scope of practice

    • Training obtained through accredited Naturopathic Colleges and provincial regulation allow Naturopathic Doctors to practice Clinical Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Botanical Medicine, Lifestyle Counseling, Homeopathy, Naturopathic Manipulation, and allows us to perform physical examinations. Homeopaths are limited to practice homeopathy.

    Education and Training

    • To become a Naturopathic Doctor, a minimum of three years Pre-Medical background is required from a recognized University. This is followed by four years of full-time study at an accredited Naturopathic College. Homeopaths are not required to have an undergraduate degree for entrance into their training.

    Regulation

    • Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in the province of Ontario by the Board of Directors Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy under the Drugless Practitioners Act. Homeopaths are not a regulated health profession.

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Is Naturopathic Medicine only used for prevention?
While prevention is one of the fundamentals of Naturopathic Medicine, it can also be successfully used to treat both acute and chronic illness. Please refer to “conditions that we treat” for a general list of health concerns that can be addressed by Naturopathic Doctors.
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Does Naturopathic Medicine have scientific support?
The practice of Naturopathic Medicine relies on both empirical evidence and modern scientific research. The scientific basis of Naturopathic practice is growing, with toxicological evidence and randomized clinical trials showing that treatments are safe and effective.
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Are all natural therapies safe?
No, not all nutritional supplements or botanicals are safe, especially when taken with conventional medicines. Naturopathic Doctors are the most qualified in order to determine what natural therapies are safe to use on their own, or can be used safely with prescription medicines.
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Do you work with conventional care providers?
We feel that it is very important for healthcare providers to work together in order to provide the best possible care to patients. We are open to working with your family physician or with any other therapists who is involved with your treatment.
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How long has the clinic been serving the people of Toronto?
Our Naturopaths have been working with the people of Toronto for almost 5 years.
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What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, a Naturopath, Naturopathy and an ND?
There is no difference between the terms, they are used interchangeably.
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Where is the clinic located?
The Rosedale Natural Health Clinic is located one block south of Yonge and St. Clair on Pleasant Blvd. in downtown Toronto. The office is adjacent to the St. Clair subway station and to the Rosehill Green P parking garage.
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What forms of payment are accepted?
We currently accept payment by Cash, Cheque, Debit, Visa and MasterCard.
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How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked with one of our Naturopaths by calling the clinic at 416-926-0084.
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