Naturopath FAQs: Holistic Health Queries in Guelph
Do you have questions about our Naturopath Doctor Services at the Health and Performance Centre? See below for a list of our frequently asked questions about naturopath visits.
The Health and Performance Centre in Guelph offers Naturopathic Medicine, a form of complementary healthcare that focuses on supporting the body's natural ability to heal and promotes healing through natural therapies. By addressing the root causes of illness rather than just the symptoms, naturopathic medicine can help prevent chronic illness and reduce the need for prescription medications. Naturopathic Medicine can help you boost your immune system, prevent and treat chronic disease, and increase your overall energy levels through a variety of personalized treatment options such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical treatments, acupuncture and Asian medicine, and lifestyle counseling.
During an initial visit, your Naturopathic Doctor will sit down with you for one hour to review your health history, current concerns and health goals. They will review any available lab work that you have completed and discuss if further testing is necessary. At the end of your visit, your naturopath will discuss an individualized plan for you. Follow-up visits may be requested after initial recommendations have been made to review changes and make ongoing suggestions to support your health. All follow-up naturopath visits are 30 minutes long.
Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover visits with a naturopathic doctor though most extended healthcare plans do include coverage. Please consult with your insurance provider to review your coverage or visit our UofG Student Health Plan Coverage or UofG Staff Health Plan Benefits Coverage for more information.
All NDs are required to complete a minimum of 3 years of post-secondary university education before being accepted into an accredited four-year program at an approved college of naturopathic medicine. The 4-year training program includes over 4500 hours of classroom training in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences, and naturopathic therapies. Additionally, students must complete 1500 hours of supervised clinical internship. Graduates receive the designation of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Following graduation, candidates must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) to become licensed in Ontario. There are ongoing clinical education requirements to maintain a registration in good standing in Ontario.
Our naturopath doctors value the time and care that other members of your healthcare team dedicate to your wellness plan. With your permission, our naturopath doctors are happy to communicate with your other practitioners to keep them informed of what you are working on together.
No, you do not require a referral from another practitioner to make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor.
Our Naturopathic Doctors are trained to use a variety of therapeutic tools to support health. These may include the following:
Clinical Nutrition: Nutrients and imbalances and nutrients may significantly affect our health. Your naturopath is trained to assess the connection between nutrition and health. Nutritional assessment, specialized diets and nutritional supplements may be recommended.
Botanical Medicine: Many botanicals (herbs) have been well studied and may be recommended for their therapeutic benefits. This may be recommended in the form of teas, capsules or tinctures.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves the use of very thin needles at specific anatomical points on the body to address pain, injury, and many concerns. Your naturopath has completed extensive training in acupuncture to help address your concerns.
Physical Medicine: This may include soft tissue work, hydrotherapy, and exercise therapy.
Prevention/Lifestyle Counselling: Empowering individuals to make healthy choices to support wellness and illness prevention. Focus is made to areas such as sleep quality and consistency, outdoor exposure, physical activity and social connection and support to foster health on all levels.