Why would someone choose to see a naturopathic doctor instead of their primary care physician? What are the differences between these two kinds of medical professionals? Let's take a closer look at what naturopathic physicians perform, how they differ from other types of doctors, and what makes them effective at treating certain ailments.

By the conclusion of this post, we will have answered all of your concerns and provided you with enough knowledge to decide whether it is time to attend a naturopathic clinic for a consultation.

What Is A Naturopathic Doctor?

A naturopathic doctor is a complementary and alternative medicine practitioner. Unlike the traditional paradigm, which focuses on symptom management with drugs, a naturopath utilizes therapies ranging from food and lifestyle recommendations to herbal remedies and supplements to assist patients in dealing with the underlying causes of their health conditions.

Naturopaths emphasize preventative care and rely on diagnostic techniques like blood testing and imaging technologies. It is worth mentioning that, although being profoundly based in Asian culture, traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathy have been adopted by the North American and Canadian populace throughout time.

Many insurance companies now cover various kinds of complementary and alternative treatments. We previously explored how, rather than treating symptoms, a naturopathic doctor may assist with a wide spectrum of ailments.

What Can A Naturopath Do For Me?

Naturopaths can help you understand the underlying reasons for your medical ailments and advise you on the adjustments you need to make in order to heal. They may offer suggestions for dietary and lifestyle changes. A qualified naturopath may be able to treat you using acupuncture, herbal medications, homeopathy, and/or nutritional supplements.

What Areas Of Practice Does A Naturopathic Doctor Have?

A naturopath is an integrative medicine practitioner who primarily uses holistic therapies.

Holistic medicine approaches health and disease from a whole-body perspective rather than focusing on your symptoms. Treatments can include herbal remedies, acupuncture, nutritional therapy, physical therapy, and lifestyle counseling. 

If you’re looking for a good naturopathic clinic in the Greater Toronto Area,  Annex Naturopathic Clinic in Downtown Toronto offers all of the mentioned services and accepts new patients.

Some conditions that are commonly treated by Naturopathic Doctors include digestive problems, like irritable bowel syndrome, joint disorders, sleep concerns and hormonal imbalances

Can Naturopathic Doctors Prescribe Medication?

Yes, of course. Naturopathic doctors are trained in the uses and effects of pharmaceutical drugs and any contraindications between them and the treatments we offer. In some cases, we can offer an alternative treatment to a pharmaceutical option, and in others, we can offer a solution to reduce the negative side effects that frequently come with pharmaceuticals.

Most naturopaths in Ontario have obtained the right to prescribe many prescription-only substances such as bio-identical hormones and injectable therapies after attending rigorous training and examining pharmacology and pharmaceutical prescribing.

Are There Any Illnesses Treated By An ND?

Naturopathic Doctors can treat and support many of the common disorders that affect Canadians.

The long answer involves explaining how NDs work with their patients to treat illness, which starts with asking questions about lifestyle habits and how most chronic conditions can be effectively treated by an ND. These include asthma, muscle pain, allergies and arthritis and many others. 

It has been demonstrated that chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or diabetes can be managed solely by naturopaths. 

Other illnesses and symptoms can be treated through nutrition and diet changes or other treatments by using herbs or homeopathy. 

When Should I Visit A Naturopath?

The goal of naturopathic medicine is prevention. This can include preventing the disease from developing, slowing the progression and worsening of an existing condition, or even helping with improving the quality of life for those with advanced conditions that are not likely to be treatable. 

Some conditions will require other types of care, but for common and manageable ailments, including cardiovascular health, hormonal imbalance, fertility, menopause, digestion issues, immune system improvement, and stress management, as well as allergies, we find there is room for naturopathy in most people’s lives. 

Consider scheduling a consultation if you are experiencing any of these conditions and haven't found what works best for your body. 

Conclusions

Many Canadians use alternative medicine, and many patients of modern medicine seek consultation with a naturopathic doctor for a second opinion. If you are one of those people, do your research and ensure that your naturopath is licensed. 

Verify their credentials; also, check to see if they’re currently taking insurance. Annex Naturopathic Clinic offers free 15 minute consultations to patients to better understand how we can help them or if we’re a good fit for them before committing to an initial consultation. Patients do not receive treatment advice or any additional lifestyle or diet changes advice during this.

If you have a gut disease, need acupuncture, or want to live a better, healthier life, naturopathic medicine is a good solution for you. It might cost more, but can you put a price on your health?

Brought to You By:

Annex Naturopathic Clinic

800 Bathurst St Suite 301, Toronto, On

+1(647) 624-5800

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