Naturopathic Medicine has the ability to treat virtually all health conditions (both acute and chronic). Here is a list of common conditions treated:
Women's & Men’s Health
Prenatal, Postnatal care
Infertility
Menopause
Endometriosis, Uterine fibroids
Candida, HPV, Bacterial vaginosis
Prostate disorders
Digestive disorders:
Diarrhea and constipation
Heart burn
Peptic/duodenal ulcers
Chron’s disease and Ulcerative colitis
Chronic Illness
Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Skin Conditions-Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis, Rosacea
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Hypertension and Heart disease
Diabetes
Asthma
Hypo/hyperthyroidism
Acute Conditions
Colds and flu
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
Migraines & headaches
Intestinal Upset
Urinary Tract Infections
Other
Anxiety, Depression
Insomnia
Allergies
ADHD
Smoking Cessation
Weight Management
Sports Injuries
Back pain
Detoxification
High cholesterol
We can still help if your concern is not found on this list! Naturopathic medicine treats your biochemistry and physiology instead of pathology. It can address unique symptoms which may not be part of a conventional diagnosis.
Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that addresses the root causes of illness, and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. It supports your body's own healing ability using an integrated approach to disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention that includes:
Acupuncture/Asian medicine
Botanical medicine
Physical medicine (massage, hydrotherapy, etc.)
Clinical nutrition
Homeopathic medicine
Lifestyle counselling
Naturopathic doctors practice as primary care providers with an emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. They are guided by six fundamental healing principles:
First, to do no harm, by using methods and medicines that minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
To treat the causes of disease, by identifying and removing the underlying causes of illness, rather than suppressing symptoms.
To heal the whole person through individualized treatment, by understanding the unique physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors that contribute to illness, and customizing treatment protocols to the patient.
To teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine, by sharing knowledge with patients and encouraging individual responsibility for health.
To emphasize prevention, by partnering with the patient to assess risk factors and recommend appropriate naturopathic interventions to maintain health and prevent illness.
To support the healing power of the body, by recognizing and removing obstacles to the body's inherent self-healing process.
Naturopathic doctors obtain comprehensive training in a structure similar to medical doctors and have a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education. They first obtain an undergraduate university degree and then study 4 years of naturopathic medicine at an accredited college. In Canada there are two accredited programs; Toronto has The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and Vancouver has The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Naturopathic doctors then must successfully pass 2 phases of Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX), a standardized examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America.
Naturopathic Doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N). The BDDT-N functions to ensure that Naturopathic Doctors are properly qualified to practice Naturopathic Medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
Ontario’s new Naturopathy Act received final approval in June 2007 and will come into full effect following an extensive transition process. The Naturopathy Act will move the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors under the Regulated Health Professions Act, joining all other regulated health professions. The Naturopathy Act also confirms the current scope of NDs as primary care practitioners who are able to provide diagnoses and have access to key controlled acts.
Below are Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropody:
What is a Chiropodist?
Chiropodists are primary health care providers who specialize in the assessment, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the foot. They can provide care to many different patient populations and can be seen for:
Conditions affecting the skin such as calluses, corns, warts/verrucae, Athlete’s foot/fungal infection
Conditions affecting the toe nails such as in-grown toe nails, fungal infections, thick nails
Nail and soft tissue surgeries under local anesthetic
Diabetic foot care and education
Management of chronic conditions (i.e., arthritis)
Assessment of foot pain
Biomechanical assessment & gait analysis
Custom made foot orthoses
Footwear advice
What type of education/training do Chiropodists have?
Chiropodists currently receive their training at the Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences in Toronto, the only English speaking Chiropody program available in Canada. Admission into the program requires an undergraduate Bachelor degree from a recognized university. A graduate advanced diploma in health sciences (Chiropody/Podiatric Medicine) is earned after 3 years of theoretical and clinical education. Students begin assessing and treating patients in their first year. The entire third year of study is spent in clinical internships at various hospitals, private clinics, and community care centres.
What is the difference between a chiropodist, podiatrist and pedorthist?
Chiropodists and Podiatrists are both primary health care providers who specialize in the assessment, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the foot. Chiropody and Podiatry are also both regulated health professions in Ontario, having governing bodies called colleges that set the standards for skills, knowledge and behaviour for their members.
What Chiropodists and Podiatrists do are very similar, however, Podiatrists practicing in the province of Ontario receive their education in the United States. There are some differences in education. For example, podiatrists are trained in surgery involving bone, whereas Chiropodists are not. Both Podiatrists and Chiropodists, however, are trained in soft tissue surgery. Currently, Podiatrists who choose to practice in Ontario do so under the "Chiropody" scope.
The term "Chiropody" follows a UK model of foot care. The use of the terms "Podiatry" and "Podiatric Medicine" have gained popularity in recent years with other Canadian provinces replacing "Chiropody" with "Podiatry". The foot care model in Ontario is continually evolving and will be under government review in the coming years.
A Pedorthist is an individual who is specifically trained in the manufacturing, fitting and modification of foot appliances and footwear. Pedorthics is not a regulated health profession in Ontario. Pedorthists currently receive their training through the University of Western Ontario, earning a diploma in Pedorthics following a year of concurrent theoretical education and clinical internship. Pedorthists are unable to provide prescriptions for foot orthotics and footwear, but are able to manufacture and dispense these items.
Are Chiropody services covered under OHIP?
No, Chiropody services are not covered under OHIP. They may, however, be covered under your private health insurance policy. Contact your health insurance provider to determine your coverage. You would pay a fee per visit which could be reimbursed by your private insurance. Please contact us for more information.
Do I need a referral to see a Chiropodist?
Chiropodists are primary health care providers. Although Chiropodists often receive referrals from other health care professionals, a referral is not necessary to be seen.
