What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is based on six principles, and is deeply rooted in nature. Naturopathic medicine allows you, as the patient, to be heard and to be part of your health journey. An initial visit with an ND is often an hour long, and we delve into the history of all your health concerns. For now, lets keep it simple - below are the principles and what they mean to me!

1. First, do no harm
   • Pretty simple right? My main goal as an ND is to use the lease invasive and most natural treatment options first.
2. Treat with the healing power of nature
   • By using natural remedies we support the body's innate ability to heal itself
3. Identify and treat the root cause
   • I want to find the cause of your symptoms, not slap a bandaid over them. I will look beyond the symptoms and help find the cause of your symptoms.
4. Doctor as teacher
   • I will educate and support you along the way so you can achieve and maintain optimal health. I will help you understand the 'why' behind each treatment.
5. Treat the whole person
   • Mind, body, spirit - they are all connected. I will address all aspects of your health concerns, not just one.
6. Prevention
   • Together we will focus on overall health, wellness, and prevention of future disease states.

How much training does a naturopathic doctor have?

Naturopathic doctors must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree prior to being accepted into an accredited naturopathic medical school. Naturopathic medical school is a full-time 4-year program. The first two years are similar to conventional medical school, and is heavily rooted in biomedical and clinical science, and diagnostics. Over the course of four years approximately 4,800 classroom and preceptor hours are completed. During the last two years, approximately 1,200 clinical hours are completed. Naturopathic doctors are also trained in Traditional Asian Medicine, Physical Medicine, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition, and Counselling. Upon completing my undergraduate degree in Biopsychology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in beautiful Kelowna, I attended The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in New Westminster. While at BINM I completed over 125 preceptor hours where I shadowed other Naturopaths, Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractors, and Physiotherapists.

What can I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit will be longer than subsequent visits so that we can delve into your health history. Before your first visit you will fill out a comprehensive intake form* which we will go over in detail during your initial visit. I will get to know you and your health goals, and by the end of our first visit together you will have an idea of how naturopathic medicine can help you. I will provide treatment options and future plan ideas so all your health concerns are addressed. *Intake forms can be filled out online before your visit, or in-office (Please arrive 15 minutes early if you plan to fill out the forms in-office)*

What should I bring to my first visit?

Please bring any recent lab work that has been done (examples include blood work, urine analysis, salivary tests), along with any relevant imaging you may have (examples include x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc). If you are currently taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) or supplements, please bring them in, or bring a picture of them to your first appointment.

Is my visit covered by insurance?

Most extended medical plans cover a portion of naturopathic doctor visits; check with your provider to determine how much is covered for you.