Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathic Medicine is a complementary addition to your current health care system. We work in collaboration with YOU and any other health care providers you may have on your roster. Naturopathy looks at the human body as a whole working system, and believes collaboration is key to optimal health.

Naturopathy differentiates itself from the general health care system by identifying and healing the root cause of a given health problem as opposed to focusing on the most prevalent or recent symptom. Naturopathic Doctors use a natural and scientific approach to improving biochemical and physiological imbalances. They are trained in common medical diagnoses as well as their eastern medicine equivalents. Along with treating specific conditions, they also emphasize illness prevention as well as a healthy diet and lifestyle. Naturopaths pride themselves on individualized care and understand that what may work for one individual may not work for another. The most important person in an appointment is YOU, a Naturopathic Doctor is simply there to help guide you through your healing journey.

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What Does it Take to Become a Naturopathic Doctor?

To become a Naturopathic Doctor (ND), an individual must complete an undergraduate program with the required prerequisites. That individual must then complete a 4 year program at an Accredited Naturopathic College, of which there are only 2 in Canada. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine delivers more than 3,000 hours of in-classroom training and 1,200 hours of clinical experience in biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, clinical nutrition, Traditional Asian Medicine, acupuncture, botanical medicine, physical medicine, physical exams and labs. After finishing their 8+ years educational journey, a Naturopathic Doctor finalizes the process by writing a series of board exams. All Naturopathic Doctors are required to continue their education throughout their career.

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For this reason, we wish to address a matter of concern within our community. It has come to our attention that certain individuals, without proper licensing or training, are posing as "Naturopathic Doctors" (NDs). We, as regulated practitioners of Naturopathic medicine, hold a responsibility to shield our community from these figures who exploit ignorance for personal gain.

The title "Naturopathic Doctor" is a legal safeguard, reserved exclusively for those who have completed 8+ years of extensive education, rigorous testing, and essential licensing. In British Columbia, all Naturopathic Practitioners are formally and exclusively licensed under the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC). Designations like "Natural Health Practitioner" or "Alternative Health Practitioner" have no regulatory oversight and lack the essential formal training required for ensuring safe, effective care.

We strongly recommend that you inquire and validate the education, training, and licensing of any practitioner in the realm of natural medicine. The uninformed advice of these untrained individuals poses serious health risks, even when utilizing natural health products. Our unwavering commitment is to protect our community's well-being, ensuring you receive care that aligns with the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.

Notably, there are only five Naturopathic Doctors Registered with CNPBC in North Eastern British Columbia. Among them, three practice at Oak Naturopathic Clinic in Dawson Creek (Dr. Ayla, Dr. Elena and Dr. Anouk), while the remaining two are based at clinics in Fort St. John (Dr. Amanda and Dr Kim).

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Is Naturopathic Medicine for Me?

At the base of every health plan is diet and lifestyle change; changes that you and your doctor will plan together to ensure your goals are realistic and attainable. Depending on your ailment or desired outcome, the Doctor will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan, which can include specific supplementation of vitamins, minerals, plants, herbs or physical therapies. The Doctor may also recommend a more integrative approach and refer you for additional treatment from your MD, physiotherapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, etc. The goal of the treatment plan is to be as sustainable and manageable as possible.

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Is it Covered by My Health Plan?

As Naturopathic Doctors, services and testing are partially or fully covered by many extended health plans. Please check with your plan administrator.

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