A Whole-Person Approach to Health

Naturopathic Medicine offers a comprehensive and evidence-informed approach to health care. It blends the latest in modern medical science with the wisdom of traditional healing systems, focusing on treating the root causes of illness—not just the symptoms.

As a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND), our goal is to help you feel better in a way that aligns with your body’s natural design and healing capacity.

Core Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Doctors follow a set of guiding principles that shape every aspect of care:

• First, Do No Harm – Use safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatments.
• Treat the Cause – Identify and address the root causes of illness, not just the symptoms.
• Treat the Whole Person – Consider the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.
• Doctor as Teacher – Empower patients through education, self-awareness, and self-care.
• Support the Healing Power of Nature – Work with the body’s innate ability to heal.

Prevention is the Best Medicine – Focus on long-term wellness and disease prevention.

Naturopathic doctors are trained to diagnose and treat the wide range of acute and chronic health conditions you might bring to your family doctor, including:

• Digestive issues
• Hormonal imbalances
• Stress and fatigue
• Allergies and immune concerns
• Skin conditions
• Mental health and mood disorders

Naturopathic medicine offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to health care, addressing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. By focusing on the root causes of illness, naturopathic doctors (NDs) provide effective, natural treatments that support your body’s ability to heal.

Acute Conditions Treated by Naturopathic Doctors:

• Colds and flu
• Ear and throat infections
• Headaches and migraines
• Intestinal upset and digestive issues
• Chest infections
• Bladder infections

Women’s Health & Reproductive Concerns:

• Menstrual disorders and PMS
• Menopausal symptoms
• Fibrocystic breast disease
• Infertility
• Endometriosis and uterine fibroids
• Prenatal and pregnancy support

Chronic Health Conditions:

• Food and environmental allergies
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Asthma and respiratory issues
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Heart health concerns
• Digestive disorders (IBS, constipation, etc.)
• Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne)
• Chronic bladder or prostate issues
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Anxiety, depression, and emotional stress

Support for Complex and Chronic Illnesses:

Naturopathic care can complement conventional treatments for complex conditions, offering a holistic and integrative approach to:

• Diabetes
• Cancer support
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Weight management
• ADHD and learning challenges
• Autism spectrum disorders

If you've ever thought, “I don’t feel right, but my doctor says everything looks normal,” naturopathic medicine may offer the answers and support you need. 

Many patients seek naturopathic care when they feel unwell but have no clear diagnosis.

Education and Training of Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) undergo rigorous academic and clinical training, typically completing at least seven years of post-secondary education:

• 3-4 years of pre-medical university studies
• 4 years at an accredited naturopathic medical college

Medical Science Coursework Includes:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Pathology
• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Laboratory Diagnosis
• Clinical & Physical Diagnosis
• Radiology
• Minor Surgery
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology / Women’s Health
• Pediatrics
• Other Clinical Sciences

Core Naturopathic Treatment Modalities:

NDs also receive extensive training in six key therapeutic areas:

• Clinical Nutrition
• Botanical Medicine
• Homeopathy
• Acupuncture / Traditional Oriental Medicine
• Naturopathic Hydrotherapy / Physical Medicine
• Lifestyle Counselling

Clinical Experience and Licensing

Training includes:

• 3,000 hours of academic education
• 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience

Graduates earn the title Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and must pass international licensing exams to practice professionally. In Ontario, you can verify a naturopath’s credentials through the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO)

To maintain licensure, NDs are required to complete continuing education credits throughout their careers.

Therapies Offered by Naturopathic Doctors

At Be Natural Health Centre, our licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) use a wide range of evidence-informed therapies to support your health and well-being. These include:

• Botanical Medicine – Using plant-based remedies to support healing
• Clinical Nutrition – Personalized dietary guidance for optimal health
• Homeopathy – Gentle, natural remedies tailored to individual symptoms
• Traditional Oriental Medicine & Acupuncture – Balancing energy flow and promoting wellness
• Naturopathic Physical Medicine – Hands-on therapies including hydrotherapy and manual techniques
• Lifestyle Counselling – Supporting mental, emotional, and behavioural health

Explore the full range of services available at Be Natural Health Centre and discover how naturopathic medicine can help you achieve lasting wellness.

Evidence-Based Naturopathic Medicine – Rooted in Science and Whole-Person Care

Naturopathic medicine is supported by a growing body of scientific research and is quickly becoming a mainstream choice for individuals seeking holistic, personalized health care.

At Be Natural Health Centre, you may be surprised by how practical and evidence-informed our approach is. We rely heavily on laboratory testing, clinical diagnostics, and logical assessment methods to guide treatment decisions.

What sets naturopathic care apart is our commitment to:

• Identifying and treating the root causes of your health concerns
• Considering the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in every treatment plan

To learn more about our philosophy and approach, visit our page: What Is Naturopathic Medicine?

Yes—naturopathic medicine has an excellent safety record, thanks to its emphasis on natural, non-toxic therapies and gentle, non-invasive treatments.

At Be Natural Health Centre, our licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are trained to:

• Understand potential interactions between naturopathic and conventional treatments and medications
• Use evidence-informed therapies that prioritize patient safety
• Recognize conditions that fall outside the scope of naturopathic practice
• Refer patients to other qualified health professionals when appropriate

This collaborative and responsible approach ensures that you receive safe, effective, and integrated care tailored to your individual needs.

There are two key differences:

1. Scope of Practice:
   • Homeopaths are trained specifically in homeopathy and use it as their primary treatment method.
   • Naturopathic Doctors are trained in a variety of treatment modalities, including homeopathy, but also use clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, and more.
     👉 Learn more: What Treatments Do Naturopathic Doctors Use?

1. Regulation in Ontario:

• Naturopathic Doctors have been licensed and regulated by the College of Naturpoaths of Ontario and must meet strict educational and professional standards.
  👉 Learn more: How Are Naturopathic Doctors Trained?
• Homeopathy is not a regulated profession in Ontario, meaning anyone can call themselves a homeopath regardless of training.

• A Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) is a licensed health professional in Ontario, regulated by the BDDT-N.
• A Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM) is not a regulated title in Ontario. Anyone can use this title regardless of training or qualifications.
• There is no regulatory body overseeing DNMs, and most insurance providers only cover licensed NDs.

• You can check the official list of licensed Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario through the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy:
  🔗 View the list of licensed NDs

• Absolutely! Naturopathic Doctors are trained to understand interactions between natural therapies and conventional medications. Many patients choose to work with both their ND and MD to:

  • Reduce reliance on prescription medications
  • Avoid invasive procedures when possible
  • Support recovery before and after surgery
  • Improve overall health outcomes through integrative care

  👉 Learn more: What Types of Health Concerns Can Be Treated?