Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary care that addresses the root cause of illness or disease and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine can be used alongside other forms of medicine to support health.

Naturopathic Medicine is a complimentary form of health care that starts with supporting the body in its amazing ability to heal itself. By looking at the root causes of illness rather than just the symptoms, naturopathic medicine is a successful non-invasive way to prevent chronic illness as well as reduce reliance upon prescription medications.

Naturopathic medicine uses an integrated approach to disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. From diet and exercise, to understanding your body’s unique chemistry, Naturopathic Medicine aims you to boost your immune system, prevent and treat chronic disease and increase your overall energy level.

Naturopathic doctors use natural, non-toxic therapies that support the whole-person and stimulate inherent healing processes. Depending on the Naturopathic Doctor’s approach and patient being treated, treatments may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, lifestyle counseling, or a combination of these. The goal is to create a healthy internal and external environment. This is significant for individuals living with a variety of conditions, including cancer.

Information taken from the website of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

Naturopathic doctors have a bachelor’s degree in a pre-med science, followed by a 4-year Doctor of Naturopathy degree from an accredited Naturopathic college. This four-year program is comprised of over 4,500 hours of classroom training in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, as well as 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practicum. In this manner, naturopathic medical training closely parallels that of medical doctors. Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND).

Naturopathic doctors in Ontario must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX), and the Ontario board examination prior to practicing. In addition, NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body (which is the College of Naturopaths of Ontario in Ontario).

To focus in cancer care, the CHI naturopathic doctors (NDs) have additional education in integrative cancer care. Additionally, the NDs at the CHI are all members of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP).

Information taken from the website of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

Yes. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are provincially-regulated primary care providers. In Ontario, NDs must to maintain their registration status and good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, the province’s regulatory body.

Ontario’s new Naturopathy Act received final approval in June 2007 and came into force in July 2015 bringing the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors under the Regulated Health Professions Act, with all of Ontario’s regulated health professions. Regulation changed significantly in 2015 but Naturopathic Medicine was previously regulated (since 1925) under Ontario’s Drugless Therapy Act.

Information taken from the website of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

In the context of supportive cancer care, naturopathic doctors focusing in cancer care are well-versed in the unique needs of people with a cancer diagnosis. They often focus on supporting quality of life, helping to manage side effects and symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment, reducing risk factors for cancer recurrence, supporting general health, and helping to navigate the often complex and confusing world of complementary medicine for cancer.

Through whole-person, patient-centred cancer care, our NDs guide and monitor each patient through the right complementary therapies at the right time.

Naturopathic doctors at the CHI all focus in the care of people with cancer. This means that the NDs have chosen to pursue extended training in a cancer care, attend yearly conferences and complete continuing education events related to cancer care.

(Note: While NDs can have a particular focus, but those are not the same as medical specialties seen in the conventional medical field.)

Yes.  Our naturopathic doctors (NDs) are committed to working with the other health professionals outside of the CHI who provide care for our patients to develop complementary therapeutic programs that will not interfere with standard treatments but instead, will help to optimize patient care.

Upon an individual patient’s request, our NDs are happy facilitate communication with the practitioner(s) a patient would like in order to keep them up-to-date regarding your care at the CHI. We are also able to provide patients with consent forms to allow their medical records to be released to their CHI ND(s).

At the CHI we encourage open communication with all conventional practitioners in order to help our patients achieve the best possible outcome.

Yes, there is a fee for visits with naturopathic doctors (NDs). Please see the Fees Tab under Our Services for a complete list of costs.

Visits with a naturopathic doctor (ND) are not covered by OHIP.

Many private and employer health insurance plans will cover visits with a naturopathic doctor (ND). The portion of each visit covered, and the number of visits covered vary from plan to plan. Please consult your individual health insurance provider to inquire about the coverages provided under your individual plan.

In general:

• The majority of health care benefit plans will include a $300-500 towards ND visits.
• In most cases, 80-100% of your initial visit should be covered.

Some of the ND visit fees may also be claimed as medical expenses on your tax return.

Please see the “Naturopathic Medicine” option on our Supportive Cancer Care Page.

Please see the “Naturopathic Medicine” option on our General Services Page.

At the CHI, initial consultations with a naturopathic doctor (ND) are 70-80 minutes in length. These visits typically entail:

1. Review of your medical history
   • Review of your current health condition
   • Any signs and symptoms that may be occurring, and/or
   • Any current challenges including physically, mentally and emotionally
2. A physical exam may be completed for in person visits or suggested for a follow up appt:
   • Can include: weight, temperature, oxygen saturation, lung/breath sounds, abdominal exam/bowel sounds, and/or other pertinent examinations
3. Discussion of the treatment plan your ND has created for you
   • Recommendations for appropriate integrative medical treatments that includes nutrition, fitness, lifestyle habits, and/or evidence-based natural health products

All initial visits with naturopathic doctors (NDs) are done virtually at the CHI, with exceptions. 

Follow-up appointments with NDs can be done over the phone or virtually.

Recommended follow-up times vary from patient-to-patient, as each individual’s case is unique. Your naturopathic doctor (ND) will discuss the recommended follow-up time they recommend for you during each visit.

Follow-up times also vary from patient-to-patient. The most commonly seen follow-up appointment length is 45 minutes but your ND could recommend a shorter/longer appointment length, as per your individual case. Follow-up appointments with NDs can be done over the phone.