WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?

Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care profession built on a truly patient-centred approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that support our body’s natural ability to heal and help us achieve sustainable health and wellness. 

Naturopathic medicine involves treating the whole person through natural therapies. The emphasis in the practice of naturopathic medicine is to address the root causes of disease instead of just treating symptoms. 

What principles guide naturopathic medicine?

There are 5 main guiding principles in naturopathic medicine. They are:

1. First, do no harm (premum non nocere)

2. Nature has the power to heal itself (Vis medicatrix naturae)

3. Identify and treat the causes (tolle causum)

4. Doctor as teacher (docere)

5. Treat the whole person (tolle totem)

What are the naturopathic modalities used in the clinic at Pathways to Wholeness?

1. Lifestyle medicine

2. Clinical nutrition

3. Botanical medicine

4. Physical medicine

5. Hydrotherapy

Who practices naturopathic medicine?

There are various groups who may practice various aspects of naturopathic medicine. But "naturopathic doctors" or "naturopaths" are the professionals who receive a certificate of registration from the regulating body known as the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) to practice naturopathic medicine in Ontario. Those two titles: "naturopathic doctor" and "naturopath" are protected titles; meaning that only members registered with CONO are permitted to assume those titles.

You may learn more about the regulation and registering of naturopathic doctors on the website of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO): http://www.collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca

How is naturopathic medicine different from allopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine generally does not involve the use of pharmacological agents or surgical procedures. Medical doctors generally will not utilize naturopathic modalities in their medical practices.