FAQ’s about Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive natural and science-based approach to improving health and treating illness. Licensed naturopathic doctors assess and treat the causes of disease through thorough clinical histories, state-of-the-art laboratory investigation, and external or internal physical examinations to evaluate physical, emotional, and spiritual health.  Each patient is treated as a unique individual and his or her treatment plan is personalized and discussed thoroughly with the doctor.  Naturopathic doctors use a combination of natural medicines and gentle, hands-on techniques that support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal.  Naturopathic doctors also work proactively to prevent disease development and enhance health for total wellness.

• Naturopathic medicine’s foundation is to treat the whole person. The doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine have general family practices where all symptoms are evaluated as clues to resolving health issues.  Any health problem can benefit from an individualized, naturopathic approach ranging from:
• Women’s health issues are frequently treated by naturopathic doctors, from menstrual difficulties to infertility to menopausal complaints.
• Men’s healthcare
• Prenatal and pediatric care is also offered as part of family medicine and a proactive healthcare approach.
• Chronic conditions are often treated successfully with naturopathic medicine.
• Acute conditions such as infections and injuries benefit from naturopathic medicine as it helps to resolve the root cause and strengthen immunity.
• Preventative healthcare measures such as detailed physical exams, PAP smears, and pelvic exams, prostate, and breast exams are also conducted by Naturopathic doctors.

For a comprehensive list see common conditions.

Please visit our articles section for more information about a naturopathic approach to commonly seen conditions.

• A naturopathic doctor first completes 3-4 years of pre-medical studies at a university.
• Then he or she attends a four-year, full-time program in naturopathic medicine at an accredited naturopathic college. The first two years of study focus on basic medical sciences and diagnosis. The last two years concentrate on naturopathic principles and therapeutics, including extensive clinical practice in a supervised teaching clinic.
• After completion of the program, two sets of rigorous standardized exams must be passed. 

Following graduation, the individual can apply for licensure in Manitoba. Successful completion of examinations and provincial requirements grants the opportunity for licensure as a naturopathic doctor.  Continuing education hours are required annually to maintain licensure.

Please visit our articles section for more information about a naturopathic approach to commonly seen conditions.

The first appointment (initial consultation) with one of our doctors is about an hour long, and subsequent appointments are either 45, 30, or 15 minutes in length. The length of time for return office visits depends on your specific health concerns and treatments.  During the initial few visits, the doctor will take a detailed history of your current and past health concerns, conduct a complaint-oriented physical exam and use information from laboratory tests to make an assessment and diagnosis.  Naturopathic doctors invest a lot of time in educating patients and putting together customized health plans.

Naturopathic doctors use herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), clinical nutrition, vitamins and minerals, lifestyle counseling, physical therapies (ie. Bowen therapy), hydrotherapy, intravenous therapies, and stress management techniques to help their patients heal.

Naturopathic Doctors undergo training similar to medical doctors as well as training in the naturopathic disciplines. The 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 orthopedics.
• Naturopathic Disciplines – There are six major disciplines that define the areas of naturopathic practice. Each discipline is a distinct area of practice and includes 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 counseling.
• Clinical Experience – All students must complete 1,500 hours of clinical requirements and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of Naturopathic Medicine prior to graduation.

Yes, the doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine feel it is important to work in an integrated approach.  The doctors foster a cooperative approach between different healthcare professionals.

To be licensed as a naturopathic doctor by the province of Manitoba one must obtain the following requirements.

• Completion of a minimum of three years of university studies including the medical sciences.
• Successful completion of a 4-year-full time program in an accredited school of Naturopathic Medicine. There are currently six accredited Naturopathic Colleges/Universities in North America.
• Successful completion of the North American and provincial licensing board exams.
• To meet the Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements.

Based on the recommendations from your doctor we can schedule your next appointment at the end of your office visit. This will allow you to secure a convenient time and avoid waiting. However, you are welcome to call our office anytime to schedule an appointment.

We will be glad to refill your prescription as per the Doctor’s recommendations.  If possible, please bring in your prescription card or treatment plan for any refills. A follow-up visit may be necessary to refill certain prescriptions.

You may contact our office by telephone if you have a question or need to clarify your treatment plan.