What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that has been a regulated profession under BC legislation since 1936, and a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since 2000. However it's ancestry is much older, and draws upon ancient Grecian, Chinese, European, Native American, and Ayurvedic medical philosophies all based upon the human potential to heal. 

In Canada, naturopathic medical training involves a rigorous 4 year Doctorate program spent exploring human health & pathophysiology, while becoming a physician who is skilled at accessing the healing potential inherent within ourselves through Nature's abundant pharmacy. The patient-doctor relationship is one that emphasizes prevention, individuality, identifying the underlying causes of dis-ease, supporting patient empowerment through education, and all with the commitment to "first do no harm". 

An ND's toolkit is large & diverse, and may include herbal medicine, dietary & emotionally counselling, acupuncture, and the option to prescribe most pharmaceutical medications. It's practice is an art and a science. A "Return to Nature" that attends to the basics of a health-full life while integrating only the best bits of modern day medicine and research.