Naturopathic Medicine can benefit people of all ages, from infants to seniors. Virtually all chronic and most acute conditions may benefit from treatment by an ND.

The most common health conditions brought to NDs include:

• digestive complaints: irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, Crohn's, colitis
• chronic conditions: chronic fatigue, arthritis, hypertension
• skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, acne
• women's health issues: PMS and other menstrual problems, menopause, pregnancy, infertility
• acute conditions: colds and flus, headaches, throat and ear infections
• men's health issues: prostatitis, impotence
• other: allergies, mental and emotional stress, insomnia, depression, ADHD.

No. You should be seeing your MD even if you are receiving treatment from an ND. A naturopathic doctor will not modify your prescription medication or treatments: any changes must be done by the person who has prescribed them. Naturopathic treatments can be designed to complement that which you are already receiving.

Is Naturopathic Medicine safe?

The safety record of naturopathic medicine is excellent. This is not surprising given the emphasis on non-toxic, natural source medicines and gentle, non-invasive treatments. Side effects are rare, and NDs are well-informed about potential negative interactions between naturopathic treatment and conventional medicines.

Is Naturopathic Medicine scientific?

Thousands of modern clinical studies have validated a variety of medicines routinely used by naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic schools encourage and facilitate research. However, since most naturopathic remedies are not patentable, manufacturers find little financial incentive in costly scientific studies.

What does it cost to visit a Naturopathic Doctor?

Fee schedules vary somewhat depending on the province, as well as on the ND's practice and focus and the length of the visit. Many private health plans cover a significant portion of naturopathic treatments. Patients are encouraged to request that their policy include coverage of all naturopathic services.

At the Fredericton Naturopathic Clinic, the current fee schedule is as follows (including HST):

Initial Naturopathic Consult: $125*
Subsequent Naturopathic Consult: $70*
Acupuncture (series): $65 per treatment
Massage therapy: $85 per hour* / $75 for 45 minutes / $50 for 30 minutes*

*There is a 15% discount for children, students, and seniors.

You can liken naturopathic doctors to general practitioners of natural medicine; they are trained to treat ailments using clinical nutrition, acupuncture, botanical medicine, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling AND homeopathy. Homeopaths, on the other hand, are trained to practice in ONE discipline - homeopathy. So while a homeopath would prescribe a homeopathic therapy, a naturopathic doctor would use any of the approaches listed above, including homeopathy, in their treatments.

In addition, homeopathy is not a regulated or licensed health profession in Ontario. Naturopathic medicine is regulated and licensed in Ontario.

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?

A food allergy involves having either an immediate (i.e. anaphylaxis, hives) or delayed reaction (i.e. rhinitis, eczema) to an ingested food. You often hear allergy and sensitivity interchanged, but the difference is that a food allergy will elicit an immune response whereas a food sensitivity does not produce an immune related reaction.