Frequently Asked Questions

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine is a unique system of medicine using natural substances and treatments to promote health and healing. Naturopathic doctors are trained in homeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling and nutrition.

The primary goal of naturopathic medicine is to address the root cause of illness and help the body heal itself. The physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of each patient are taken into account to help restore balance to the body.


What does naturopathic medicine treat?

Naturopathic doctors can treat virtually all health conditions and people of all ages. Naturopathic medicine offers options in health care for people seeking preventative care or to complement other medical treatments.

Naturopathic Medicine treats:

  • Acute conditions (colds and flues, headaches, stomach upset, etc.)
  • Chronic illnesses (such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, musculoskeletal pain, gastrointestinal, heart disease, etc.)
  • Mental and emotional issues (anxiety, depression, anger)
  • Physical injury and trauma (usually as a complement to other health care specialists)
  • Health maintenance and disease prevention

What is the training process to become a naturopathic doctor in Ontario?

Naturopathic Doctors are required to have 3 years of pre-med postsecondary education and four years at an approved Naturopathic College.   College includes 4500 hours of classroom study in clinical studies, medical sciences and naturopathic therapies as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Graduates are then required to pass North American-wide naturopathic licensing exams (NPLEX) in order to register in Ontario.

Naturopathic Doctors are also required to take continuing education credits on an ongoing basis in order to maintain their license.


Do naturopathic doctors have specialties?

Naturopathic doctors sometimes have a particular interest or a great deal of experience in treating certain conditions or client groups. But this isn’t referred to as a “specialty”. The naturopathic colleges do not offer any specialist-level educational programs for NDs. (although some naturopathic doctors have additional training beyond the naturopathic college, such as Bowen Therapy).


Is naturopathic medicine regulated in Ontario?

Yes. Naturopathic doctors are regulated under the Drugless Practitioner Act (1925) and licensed by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy (BDDTN).   To find out of a practitioner is licensed to practice in Ontario, contact the BDDTN at 416-886-8383.

Naturopathic Doctors are also regulated in the provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.


What's the difference between naturopathic medicine and homeopathy?

Naturopathic doctors are general practitioners of natural medicine.  They have training in medical sciences, nutrition, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine (including acupuncture), physical medicine, lifestyle counseling and homeopathy.

Homeopaths are trained to practice in one discipline:  homeopathy.  Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances usually derived from plants and minerals.  A visit to a homeopath will involve an extensive case history; after which you will be given homeopathic remedies as a treatment plan.

A naturopathic doctor will use any or all of the treatments listed above to address your health concerns, including homeopathy.

Naturopathic medicine is a regulated and licensed discipline in Ontario.  Homeopathy is not regulated.