Alternative medicine continues to increase in popularity as more and more patients find it offers safe and effective treatment options for their health conditions, including difficult to treat chronic diseases. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are at the forefront of providing the highest level of alternative medical care.

The scope of practice of an ND includes providing primary medical care with full physical examinations, blood work, acupuncture, nutritional guidance, and offers patients botanical and neutraceutical therapeutic options as opposed to pharmaceuticals. Intravenous therapy for the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases are also offered by NDs.

Evidence supporting natural therapies continues to grow as more and more medical studies are performed. These studies and research articles can be found in a variety of medical journal publications.

NDs are highly trained, licensed primary health care providers with 8 years of university education that is similarly stuctured to that of medical doctors. Education starts with a university undergraduate degree including courses in biology, biochemistry, physics, chemistry, and psychology. This is followed by 4 years of study at an accredited medical school which includes all conventional medical courses as well as the core naturopathic modalities such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, pharmacognosy (botanical medicine), clinical nutrition, therapeutic counseling, and spinal manipulation. Training also involves a 1-year clinical internship where NDs work directly with patients under the supervision of other doctors.

With this education and practical experience NDs can combine standard medical training with the broad range of natural therapies, seeking the “root” cause of disease, and helping patients achieve their health goals. As primary health care practitioners they treat a wide variety of conditions and diseases, and all age groups from newborn to the elderly. Some examples of ailments treated my NDs include: obesity – diabetes – cancer – heart disease – fibromyalgia – depression and anxiety – women’s health issues such as infertility and PCOS – arthritis – pediatric aliments inclusive of autism – ADHD – food allergies – skin problems – colds and flu. Support, guidance, and nutritional counseling are offered to those interested in general health promotion and weight loss.

Appointments with NDs are covered by most employer group benefit plans. Even if you have a family doctor, your ND can complement your health care with naturopathic treatment options.

NDs are licensed health care practitioners that offer safe and effective treatments for your health concerns. These treatments can be used in combination with conventional treatments or on their own. Make an appointment with an ND today to explore your alternative treatment options to obtain optimal health.

Dr. Kimberly Oxbro BSc MSc ND is the founder of Nova Health Naturopathic Centre, located in downtown Kingston, and is accepting new patients.