Naturopathic Medicine

The initial intake is usually about 1½ hours in length and includes a detailed history.  The first appointment is often a time to do medical detective work to find the root cause and obstacles to healing, this is often a truly new experience for most of our patients.

Naturopathic Doctors are trained to do a complete physical exam and we use these exams as part of our standard first appointment. 

Laboratory testing, including urine analysis, blood work and saliva testing, is an essential aspect of a complete medical assessment. Your Naturopathic Doctor will use standard laboratory testing to provide them with further information for a complete assessment to find the root cause of your health concerns.

All medical reports, such as MRIs, X-rays or scans are valuable assets your Naturopathic Doctor will use during an assessment of your health concerns.

Your Naturopathic doctor will use a range of different therapies to address your physical, mental and emotional health. The range of modalities all assist the body’s healing response, and they are often more effective when combined.  At Greystones Health, however, we focus on diet and lifestyle changes. 

Food intolerances, deficiencies, dietary imbalances and gut health have been associated with many medical conditions. Your Naturopathic Doctor will have a detailed look at your digestion and diet.  

Medicinal plants have been, and will continue to be a valuable part of health care. These plants and plant substances are highly effective and safe in the right dosage and when used correctly with other herbs and treatments. Herbs can be prepared in many forms – teas, tinctures or capsules. Naturopathic Doctors are extensively trained in both the science of botanical medicine. Naturopathic Doctors are currently the only healthcare providers in Canada to be regulated for the use of botanical medicine.

The key principle that defines and connects all of Chinese Medicine is that of Chi, or vital energy. The chi of all organs must be in balance, neither too active nor too dormant, for a person to be healthy. The chi of the body’s organs and systems are all connected in meridians or channels that lie just under the skin. Your Naturopathic Doctor may use acupuncture to assist the body in achieving balance. 

In Ontario, Naturopathic Medicine and Naturopathic Doctors are under the regulated health professions act which is also used for Medical Doctors, Nurses, Chiropractors, and alike.  We must graduate from an accredited educational institution, have professional licensing and medical insurance, and follow provincial standards of practice.   Most Naturopathic Doctors in Canada are trained at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and in Ontario are directly regulated by the College of Naturopaths Ontario (CONO). The education is a 4-year medical training program that requires an undergraduate degree with the standard pre-med classes such as biology and chemistry.