Frequently Asked Questions About Naturopathic Medicine
If you’re new to naturopathic medicine, you may have some questions about its approach and how it differs from conventional Western medicine.
Below, you’ll find some of the more common questions Dr. Pat hears in his practice.
If you don’t see your question answered here, contact Dr. Pat to book your FREE health clarity session.
It’s a 15-minute one-on-one consultation where he will answer any questions you may have and make sure that naturopathic medicine can help you solve some of your health issue today.
Yes, absolutely. Naturopathic medicine is firmly grounded in modern scientific research. In fact, you may notice Dr. Pat often cites research from peer-reviewed scientific journals in articles on his blog. Naturopathic doctors use many of the same techniques to diagnose and detect illnesses as medical doctors do.
No. It’s helpful to have an open mind toward new treatments, but naturopathic medicine can help whether or not you believe in it.
A naturopathic doctor is considered a primary healthcare practitioner. As a result, naturopathic doctors can help with a wide variety of illnesses and health concerns. In general, you can speak to Dr. Pat about any non-emergency health issue you may be facing.
Yes, absolutely. Dr. Pat does not claim to be able to replace a medical doctor. Most of Dr. Pat’s patients also have a medical doctor they see. Like other naturopaths, Dr. Pat sees naturopathic medicine as complimentary to the care one receives from their medical doctor.
Naturopathic doctors don’t prescribe pharmaceutical drugs, but they are trained in their uses and effects. Dr. Pat will be able to provide you a treatment plan that won’t interfere with your pharmaceutical prescription, and may even be able to mitigate some of the side effects.
Both medical and naturopathic doctors have similar classes in school – pathology, anatomy, toxicology, biology, etc. They also offer treatments for similar health conditions.
The main difference is in their approach to health. Medical doctors rely more on surgery and pharmaceutical drugs as treatments for health concerns. While naturopathic doctors aren’t opposed to such measures when necessary, they focus on gentler, less invasive approaches. By addressing your health concerns with less invasive methods, you may be able to avoid some of the potentially harmful side effects that come with pharmaceutical treatments.
Most importantly, a naturopathic doctor seeks to find the root cause of your health concerns, so that the body is able to properly heal.
Dr. Pat has a history of thyroid disorders in his family. As well, he noticed thyroid conditions were becoming increasingly common in his patients, and wanted to be able to better detect and offer treatment for them. As a result, he studied with Dr. Denis Wilson on the detection and treatment of Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome.
The answer to this question depends on what your health concerns are. In general, though, you’ll need more treatments at first, and fewer as time goes on.
Naturopathic doctors have a wide variety of modalities from which to draw. Depending on your health condition, Dr. Pat may suggest:
- Acupuncture
- Botanical Medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Homeopathy
- Lifestyle Counseling
- Nutritional Counseling
Not really, no. It may look painful, but many people report feeling very little pain, or none at all. Your mileage may vary, but in general it’s considered to be a relatively painless treatment.
Not currently, no. However, it is covered by most extended health insurance plans. Speak to your group benefits advisor for more information.
In Ontario, naturopathic doctors are a strictly regulated profession. In order to practice as a naturopathic doctor, you must hold a valid doctor of naturopathy degree from an accredited naturopathic college. You must also be licensed to practice by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
More Questions? Ask Dr. Pat
If you have more questions about naturopathic medicine, reach out to book an appointment with Dr. Pat today.
Dr. Pat offers FREE health clarity sessions to new patients. During that 15-minute session, you’ll get a chance to sit down with Dr. Pat and ask any question you like about naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Pat will address your concerns, answer your questions, and, in the end, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how naturopathic medicine can help you.
Contact Dr. Pat to book your FREE health clarity session today.