Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine Toronto
Naturopathic Medicine, is a distinct primary healthcare system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. At Greystones Health we use a Functional Medicine style of care that really focuses on the more current science. However, Naturopathic medicine uses a wide variety of therapies to treat, support and uncover the root cause of patient health concerns. The focus of naturopathic care is centred on the individual, their current health, family history as well as lifestyle choices all of which informs the diagnosis and treatment plan offered by a Naturopathic Doctor. Depending on the needs of the individual patient, treatments may include: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture and Tradition Chinese medicine, lifestyle counselling, or a combination of these.
The naturopathic medicine style used at Greystones Health specifically emphasizes diet and lifestyle changes, rather then using a lot of natural products. Although natural products are effective and helpful, we want to focus on longer health that is sustained with lifestyle.
What Naturopathic Doctors Do
Naturopathic doctors use conventional and naturopathic diagnostic tools for assessing health concerns and determining the most appropriate treatment program. The diagnostic tools used include:
Thorough Health History 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.
Physical Examinations Naturopathic Doctors are trained to do a complete physical exam and we use these exams as part of our standard first appointment.
Comprehensive Laboratory Testing 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.
Previous Medical Reports and Diagnostic Testing 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.
Treatment 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.
Clinical Nutrition 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.
Botanical Medicine 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.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture 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.
Education 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.
Areas of Training
Naturopathic Doctors undergo training similar to medical doctors plus they include the naturopathic disciplines. The four areas of training in the four year, full-time Naturopathic Medicine curriculum are: Basic Sciences – This area of study includes anatomy, physiology, histology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology and pathology. Clinical Disciplines – Diagnostic medicine areas of study are physical and clinical diagnosis, differential and laboratory diagnosis, radiology, naturopathic assessment and orthopaedics. Naturopathic Disciplines – There are six major disciplines that define the areas of naturopathic practice. Each discipline is a distinct area of practice and includes both diagnostic principles and practices as well as therapeutic skills and techniques. They include: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulation and lifestyle counselling. Clinical Experience – All students must complete 1,500 hours of clinical requirements and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of Naturopathic Medicine prior to graduation.
What Makes Us Different
At Greystones Health we use the best of both worlds, combining traditional knowledge of disciplines like Chinese medicine and the age-old use of Herbal Medicine, with the most up-to-date science and biology. By knowing the science of how herbal medicine works and the science behind a person's illness, we can profoundly help heal the underlying cause of your health concerns, naturally.