Frequently Asked Questions

Are naturopathic consultations covered by OHIP?

Treatment by a Naturopathic Doctor is not covered by OHIP, however most extended health care plans (Third Party Insurance Plans) do cover the cost of your visits. Check at your workplace to find out whether your benefits package includes Naturopathic Medicine.

How are Naturopathic Doctors regulated?

In Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors are licensed through the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy (BDDT-N), and are regulated under the Drugless Practitioner's Act (since 1925). In order to find out if a naturopath is licensed, you can contact the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) at 416-233-2001.

The naturopathic profession is currently applying to come under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), this law regulates other health care professionals such as chiropractors, medical doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, optometrists and midwives.

What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine, homeopathy and other practitioners of alternative medicine?

Naturopathic Doctors are educated in the conventional medical sciences in addition to a range of natural therapeutics. Naturopathic Doctors complete a minimum of three years premedical studies at university, followed by four years of intensive post-graduate training at an accredited Naturopathic college, and are provincially licensed and regulated. Graduates from the Naturopathic college receive a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) Diploma. Homeopaths, on the other hand, are not required to obtain an undergrad degree prior to entering a homeopathy program, and they are not a regulated profession.

Where homeopaths utilize their one modality (homeopathy), naturopaths use several modalities of treatment - which include homeopathy, as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbs), clinical nutrition, botanical medicine (herbs), bodywork, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle counseling.

How is Naturopathic Medicine different from conventional medicine?

Conventional and Naturopathic Medicine complement one another, but they differ in their approach to treatment. Naturopathic Medicine assesses the whole person, and focuses on disease prevention and health enhancement using natural therapies and patient education. The role of the Naturopathic Doctor is to teach patients how to better care for their own health.

Do Naturopathic Doctors interact with other health professionals?

Naturopathic Medicine is a complete, coordinated approach to health care. Naturopathic treatments are often combined with conventional medical treatments. It is becoming more common to find Naturopathic Doctors working with other health professionals for the good of the patient. Naturopathic Doctors also refer patients to other practitioners including medical doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists and midwives. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to recognize conditions, which are outside their scope of practice and to refer to other health practitioners when it is appropriate to do so.

Patients do not require a referral from a medical doctor to make an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor.

Is Naturopathic Medicine scientific?

Thousands of modern clinical studies have validated a variety of natural medicines and treatments used by Naturopathic Doctors. Naturopathic schools encourage and facilitate research. More mainstream international universities are conducting evidence based scientific studies to help validate natural treatments and therapies.

Is Naturopathic Medicine safe?

The safety record of naturopathic medicine is excellent. This makes sense given the emphasis on non-toxic, natural source medicines and gentle, non-invasive treatments. Side effects are rare and Naturopathic Doctors are knowledgeable about contraindications between Naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines.

Can my health conditions be treated using Naturopathic Medicine?

Many health conditions can benefit from Naturopathic care. Naturopathic Medicine is extremely effective in the treatment of long-term chronic diseases, as well as the prevention and reduction of acute conditions.

Do I need a referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic services do not require a referral from a medical doctor.

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