< Back to Services|

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the use of natural and holistic approaches to diagnose, prevent, and treat various medical conditions. Naturopathic doctors blend traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge to address a wide range of health concerns.

It also encompasses a variety of treatment modalities including: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture, lifestyle counseling, and counseling and mind-body techniques.

At the Adelaide Health Clinic, our licensed naturopathic doctors help patients with preventative care, chronic disease management, acute care, integrative care, and patient education.

When can naturopathic medicine help?

Our naturopathic doctors at the Adelaide Health Clinic address a wide range of health conditions and issues, including, but not limited to:

- Digestive disorders: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), acid reflux, food sensitivies and allergies
- Hormonal imbalances: hormone-related issues (e.g., PMS, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome), thyroid disorders, adrenal gland imbalances
- Chronic pain and inflammation: arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches and migraines, back and joint pain
- Mental health: anxiety and stress, depression, insomnia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Cardiovascular health: high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, supportive care for heart disease prevention
- Immune system support: recurrent infections, autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma
- Skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis
- Weight management: weight loss and weight gain, obesity, nutritional guidance
- Women's health: menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, fertility issues, pregnancy and prenatal care
- Men's health: erectile dysfunction, prostate health, hormonal imbalances
- Childhood health: pediatric issues (e.g., ear infections, allergies, and eczema), behavioural disorders, autism spectrum disorders
- Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia: may help manage conditions characterized by persistent fatigue and pain
- Cancer supportive care: can provide complementary care to support patients undergoing cancer treatment, including managing side effects and improving overall wellbeing
- Environmental and lifestyle factors: addresses how environmental toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices impact health and may provide guidance on detoxification and lifestyle modifications
- Preventative care: emphasizes preventative healthcare, helping individuals reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases through lifestyle changes and early intervention

When should I go to a naturopathic doctor?

You can see a naturopathic doctor for all health concerns, ranging from conditions that are acute (e.g. cold and flu) to chronic (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety). Individuals of all ages can see a naturopathic doctor, and it is beneficial to patients that are seeking disease prevention and health optimization strategies, have symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with other medical practitioners, have been diagnosed with an illness and are looking for natural and sustainable treatment options, or would like to combine both conventional and naturopathic treatments to optimize health and minimize side effects of drugs, surgery, or other conventional treatments.

What's the difference between naturopathy and homeopathy?

Homeopathy is one of the modalities that naturopathic doctors may use in their practice. Naturopathic doctors are primary healthcare providers, and require a 4-year undergraduate degree and pre-medical sciences from an accredited university, followed by a 4 year naturopathic training program at an accredited college of naturopathic medicine, which involves two sets of board exams administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) and an additional state/provincial board exam administered by the regulatory board of that particular regulated state/province. While there is formal training available for homeopaths, it is not required by any governing body as a prerequisite for using the title "homeopath".

Will seeing a naturopathic doctor interfere with my relationship with my medical doctor?

Seeing a naturopath should not interfere with medical doctor relationships. Our naturopathic doctors at the Adelaide Health Clinic believe in integrative healthcare, and welcome the opportunity to work in conjunction with medical doctors.

Is naturopathic medicine covered under OHIP?

Naturopathic medicine is not covered under OHIP. However, most extended benefit plans do cover naturopaths.

Do I need a referral to see a naturopathic doctor at the Adelaide Health Clinic?

No, you do not need a referral to see a naturopathic doctor at the Adelaide Health Clinic.

Is the Adelaide Health Clinic accepting new patients for naturopathic medicine?

Yes! Please call 416-367-5200 or click here today to book your appointment.