What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of health care that addresses the root cause of illness and disease rather than just treating the symptoms. Naturopathic medicine supports the body in its ability to heal. Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine assess the whole person, taking into consideration physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. Gentle, non-invasive techniques are generally used in order to stimulate the body’s inherent healing capacity. Natural techniques and therapies diagnose and treat both acute and chronic conditions and consequently plays an important role in integrative health care. Let me help you take the first step towards a healthier you.
Naturopathic Medicine encompasses many different modalities. The results of a thorough physical exam combined with important laboratory tests help to determine a diagnosis. Naturopathic Medicine is different since it allows for individualized care from the many different modalities including Nutrition, Botanicals, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hydrotherapy, Counselling, Acupuncture, IV Therapy, Chelation, Injections and Physical Medicine.
In Naturopathic Medicine, no two patients are the same. Each detail of a patient’s history combined with their presenting concern is what allows us to individualize the care a patient is provided. Instead of treating a chief complaint with the same treatment for every patient, Naturopathic Medicine looks at the entire patient before determining what the best treatment is.
The same way that no two snowflakes are alike, the treatment that works for one person may not work for another. Just because one modality didn’t work for one patient, does not mean it’s ineffective. It just means that it is not the right choice for that person. One of the amazing things about Naturopathic Medicine is the vast amount of treatments that exist to address each ailment. When these different modalities are combined, a very effective and powerful treatment arises.
Naturopathic Medicine is not an all or none system. Dr Kaler believes in using the best treatment for each person and sometimes this can be prescription medications or other practitioner's. She works in working collaboratively with all healthcare providers to provide you with the best care.
Naturopathic Medicine encompasses many different modalities. The results of a thorough physical exam combined with important laboratory tests help to determine a diagnosis. Naturopathic Medicine is different since it allows for individualized care from the many different modalities including Nutrition, Botanicals, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hydrotherapy, Counselling, Acupuncture, IV Therapy, Chelation, Injections and Physical Medicine.
In Naturopathic Medicine, no two patients are the same. Each detail of a patient’s history combined with their presenting concern is what allows us to individualize the care a patient is provided. Instead of treating a chief complaint with the same treatment for every patient, Naturopathic Medicine looks at the entire patient before determining what the best treatment is.
The same way that no two snowflakes are alike, the treatment that works for one person may not work for another. Just because one modality didn’t work for one patient, does not mean it’s ineffective. It just means that it is not the right choice for that person. One of the amazing things about Naturopathic Medicine is the vast amount of treatments that exist to address each ailment. When these different modalities are combined, a very effective and powerful treatment arises.
Naturopathic Medicine is not an all or none system. Dr Kaler believes in using the best treatment for each person and sometimes this can be prescription medications or other practitioner's. She works in working collaboratively with all healthcare providers to provide you with the best care.
Education to become a Naturopathic Doctor
Naturopathic Doctors complete a university undergraduate degree prior to starting the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. The program itself is an intensive four year program that includes a core science foundation in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, embryology, pathology, microbiology and pharmacology. In addition, the program provides training in the Naturopathic modalities of Traditional Chinese medicine, nutrition, herbal medicines, acupuncture, homeopathy, massage and hydrotherapy. The fourth year of the program provides extensive clinical training where students see patients as primary interns under the direct supervision of licensed Naturopathic Doctors. By graduation, a student has completed over 3,000 hours of classroom training and 1,200 hours of clinical experience.
For a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine to be licensed in Canada they must:
For a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine to be licensed in Canada they must:
- Graduate from a school accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).
- Successful complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams (NPLEX).
- Be licensed member of the provincial College in regulated provinces. In Alberta, it is the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta.
Naturopathic Doctor's Oath
Each profession has its own principles or oath that its members take and abide by. Medical doctors follow the Hippocratic Oath, engineers have the iron ring and police officers take an oath to uphold the law. The Naturopathic Doctor’s Oath follows six simple principles:
The above 6 simple principles are what remain at the core of all treatment that Naturopath’s provide for their patients.
- First, Do No Harm (Primum non nocere). Simply this means to use methods and medicines that minimize the risk of harmful side effects, use the leave force to diagnose and treat, avoid the harmful suppression of symptoms and respect and work with the Vis medicatrix naturae process
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis medicatrix naturae). The healing power of nature is an inherent ordered and self-healing process that is present in each individual. ND’s work to identify and remove any obstacles to health and recovery thus facilitating the Vis medicatrix naturae.
- Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle causum). The underlying cause of any illness or disease needs to be identified and removed before complete recovery can occur. Thus Naturopathic Doctors aim to determine the underlying cause of illness and remove it rather than just treating the symptoms by elimination or suppression. This approach results in the body achieving and maintaining an optimal state of health.
- Doctor as Teacher (Docere). Knowledge is power and Naturopathic doctors work in partnership with their patients by sharing information and knowledge to create a realistic and successful treatment through a therapeutic doctor – patient relationship.
- Treat the Whole Person (Tolle totum). Naturopathic Doctors treat the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors as they all contribute to each person’s health. Total health also includes spiritual health and a well-rounded approach can allow individuals to pursue their spiritual development.
- Teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine (Prevenio et evito aegresco). Naturopathic medicine focuses on optimizing health to prevent diseases through education and a health lifestyle. Through the doctor patient partnership, the appropriate interventions are made to prevent future illnesses.
The above 6 simple principles are what remain at the core of all treatment that Naturopath’s provide for their patients.