Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine focuses on prevention and achieving optimal health through the use of therapies and medicines that support the self-healing process. By respecting the body’s inherent ability to heal itself, Naturopathic Medicine works to address the cause of illness, rather than suppress the symptoms. It is a system of medicine that focuses on treating the whole person, taking into account all aspects of a person’s life and the effects on the health of the physical body.

Your First Visit and Forms

What does a typical naturopathic care visit involve?

The initial visit is 1 hour in length and is a chance to share your medical history and current health concerns. This visit is designed to be an information gathering session, in which a detailed review of medical history is recorded. As necessary, a physical exam may be performed in order to enhance the medical history. Because each patient is unique, a comprehensive individualized treatment plan will be developed for each patient. Additional laboratory work and/or medical records may be necessary in order to make a solid diagnosis, so this information may be requested. One week after the first visit, a 45 minute visit is scheduled to review the treatment plan. Return office visits are usually 15-45 minutes in length and involve case discussion, pertinent physical exam and modification or addition to the original treatment plan.

FAQ

What conditions can be treated?

Naturopathy can be beneficial for many different issues as well as just maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle and state of mind. Some of the things that can be treated include:

Hormonal imbalance
Women’s health issues such as infertility/ menopausal symptoms/ PMS
Digestive problems
Skin conditions
Food & Environmental sensitivities
Seasonal Allergies
Fatigue
Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Headaches
Weight gain
Auto-immune disease/ Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Arthritis
Heart disease/ Elevated Cholesterol/ High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Asthma
Cold and Flus/ Ear and throat infections

What to Expect?

In practice, Naturopathic Doctors use medicines and therapeutics that enhance the body’s self-healing process. They include:

Clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine preparations, counselling, physical medicine and exercise prescription.
Specific programs for weight loss, healthy aging, detoxification and cleansing, childhood nutrition, healthy pregnancy, stress management, nutrition for athletes and pre and post-surgery protocols are offered.
Food and Environmental sensitivity testing using the MORA Super for more information, go to www.drlisakeen.com
Intravenous vitamin therapy. Based on your health history and health concerns, an individualized treatment plan will be created for you. Dr. Chelsea and Dr. Lisa will discuss this with you in the first visit. This treatment plan will also include future goals and recommendations for follow- ups. The length of treatment and number of visits varies depending on the nature of the condition, and your individual needs.

What kind of Education do Naturopathic Doctors require?

After completion of an undergraduate degree, students complete a 4-year graduate Naturopathic Medical program from 1 of the 5 accredited schools in North America. The first 2 years of medical training are similar to that which medical doctors receive. The program involves intensive study in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, pathology, pharmacology, immunology, infectious disease, embryology and research methods as a few examples. During this time, there is additional coursework in botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, counselling, physical therapy and spinal adjustment, hydrotherapy and massage. The last 2 years of the program involves further study of the medical sciences and students are required to complete a minimum of 1500 hours of clinical patient practice. Upon graduation, students are required to have completed 4500 hours of coursework and clinical study. In order to be licensed in the province of Alberta, after completion of a 4-year naturopathic medical program, each candidate must successfully pass 2 sets of national board exams on the basic medical sciences, clinical medical sciences and naturopathic therapeutics.

What types of treatments and therapeutics are used by a Naturopathic Doctor?

The content of each treatment plan is unique for each patient. Some of the Naturopathic treatments that may be utilized include:

Clinical nutrition, botanical medicine preparations, homeopathic medicine, counselling and individualized dietary and lifestyle programs and protocols.
When appropriate and necessary, laboratory testing, and/or co-management with another healthcare specialist is recommended.

Do Naturopathic Doctors work with other healthcare professionals?
Yes, Naturopathic Doctors work closely with other healthcare professionals including medical doctors and specialists, chiropractors, registered massage therapists, acupuncturists and physiotherapists, among others to provide the best possible care for patients.

Is naturopathic medicine covered under Alberta Health Care or extended healthcare plans?

Many employer benefit packages cover naturopathic medicine visits and laboratory testing fees. Please contact your Human Resources Department for details of your coverage. Currently, Alberta Health Care does not cover the cost of Naturopathic Medical visits.

Where can more information on the practice of naturopathic medicine be found?

AANP – The Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners: A source of information on the profession and practice of naturopathic medicine in the province of Alberta. Phone: 403-266-2446
CAND – The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors: An information source, referral network and resource for patients and naturopathic doctors on a national level. Phone: 416-496-8633 or 1-800-551-4381
AANP – The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians – Phone: 1-866-538-2267
AANMC – The American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges – Phone:1-866-538-2267