Naturopathic medicine is a type of primary healthcare that blends the wisdom of traditional natural therapies with modern, evidence based medicine to bring about healing. In naturopathic medicine, it is well recognized that every body system is connected and that all parts of the human being - body, mind, and soul - have an effect on health. The naturopathic doctor strives to treat the WHOLE person.

The naturopathic doctor strives to understand and treat the root cause of illness, rather than treat symptoms. In simpler terms, we care about the WHY. WHY are you experiencing symptoms? Is it stress related, emotionally related, diet related, hormonally related? There are many factors that could be contributing to your disease process, and often it’s a combination of factors that leads to illness. Therefore, a combination of factors must be addressed in order for true healing to occur. In this way, naturopathic therapies are extremely unique and individualized to each and every person. Naturopathic therapies aim to support the body’s natural physiological functions, eliminate obstacles to cure, and revitalize the natural life force that lives within each one of us. By using the healing properties found within nature and by honouring natural rhythms and cycles, we are able to restore balance (homeostasis) in the body. At its foundation, naturopathic medicine works to support, stimulate, and modulate the innate healing capabilities the body contains.

Naturopathic doctors are highly skilled and trained in a wide variety of modalities. Because of this, we are able to develop a unique perspective - we are able to look at health and illness through many different lenses. Each province has its own set of regulations and scope of practice. Depending on the province, the individual doctor, and what best suits the patient, naturopathic doctors may utilize nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, acupuncture, physical medicine, lifestyle counselling, clinical counselling, hydrotherapy, injection techniques, IV therapy, and more! Naturopathic doctors strive to build the foundations of health by using more gentle, less invasive therapies first before moving to more aggressive, invasive measures. If you are curious about the healing modalities I offer in practice, read more about them here.

Naturopathic doctors undergo extensive training and are licensed under a regulatory body. To become a naturopathic doctor, you must complete a 4 year undergraduate degree with a specific number of credits in designated pre-medical sciences. After that, you go on to naturopathic school for 4 more years where you learn basic medical sciences, clinical skills, and participate in a clinical practicum. Following graduation, you must write North American licensing exams and provincial board exams in the area you wish to practice in. In addition, naturopathic doctors are required to continually upgrade their skills and knowledge through continuing education.

Naturopathic doctors spend a lot of time with their patients to ensure that they feel heard, understood, and empowered. Through compassionate care, patient education, and individualized medicine, we are able to provide patients with healing and relief. To learn more about naturopathic medicine and what it has to offer, watch this short video produced by Bastyr University.