What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Doctors (ND)s are licensed naturopathic medical practitioners who are trained in the medical sciences plus natural therapies.  All practicing and regulated NDs ahve completed an undergraduate degree prior to completing four years of naturopathic medical school, have passed NPLEX 1 and 2 (standardized North American Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams in the biomedical sciences and clinical modalities, respectively) and met the requirements to register with his/her state or provincial regulatory body.

During the last year of ND schooling, we completed a one-year clinical internship seeing patients under a licensed naturopathic doctor at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic or a satellite clinic located in the Greater Toronto Area (for graduates of CCNM).  This exposed us to a variety of different conditions and people of different ethnicities and cultures.

Naturopathic doctors conduct medical histories and physical exams much like you would have done at your MDs office using standard medical equipment and diagnostics.  We are also trained in interpreting laboratory tests (and can order them at an additional cost to you).  The philosophy and treatment approach is where we differ.  NDs can recommend treatments to help alleviate symptoms in the short-term but we are really working with you to help identify and treat the root cause, in the long term, via an individualized treatment approach.

The 6 Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

First, Do No Harm

Our therapies are safe with minimal side effects as we strive to start off with the least invasive treatments that can help support your own body’s healing potential.  We gradually work up the doses and treatment protocols to what will be therapeutic for you.  While doing this we always check interactions with other medications you are on.  There may be times when an ND may refer or suggest conventional treatment, but naturopathic medicine can be a great complementary add-on.

To Treat the Cause(s) of Disease

While we can provide treatment to help minimize your symptoms in the short-term, we are really working behind the scenes to help you identify and treat the root cause.  This is why we ask SO many questions on all aspects of you - mental/emotional/physical - as the entire body is connected.  If you can treat the root cause, the symptoms will go away.

Doctor As Teacher

NDs will teach you about your health condition so that you are better informed.  Once you are informed of what is going on within your mind & body, you will be more empowered to take your health into your own hands and feel ready to make any lifestyle and dietary modifications that are needed.

To Heal The Whole Person Through Individualized Treatment

NDs are trained to address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person and can create a treatment plan individualized to you as the root cause can be different in two people who have the same disease

Emphasize Prevention

NDs can help you optimize your health (even if you are already healthy) to prevent diseases in the long-term, especially if you are at increased risk due to a family history of a particular condition.

Support The Healing Power of Nature

Every one of us has an innate ability to heal ourselves but sometimes, the terrain gets disrupted a little bit.  NDs can help optimize your terrain and bring your body back into balance.