What is naturopathic medicine?
It is a distinct primary health care system that uses natural therapies to treat the underlying cause of disease and to restore normal body function by enhancing the body's own healing mechanisms. The naturopathic doctor (ND) views the WHOLE individual, and symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body and poor lifestyle habits. The focus of treatment is on creating health and not exclusively eliminating disease. Treatments may include: clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, acupuncture & oriental medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, and or/ IV vitamin therapy.
Is naturopathic medicine covered by MSP?
No. However, most extended health insurance plans cover naturopathic treatments. Patients with insurance are encouraged to contact their employer or individual insurance broker to determine if they are covered and/or to request that their policy be extended to include naturopathic services if it does not already do so. Naturopathic medicine is currently not covered by any of the provincial health plans.
Do I need a referral?
No. You may simply contact a naturopathic doctor's office and make an appointment.
What conditions do NDs treat?
Naturopathic doctors are primary health care practitioners. There is a wide range of conditions that naturopathic doctors treat, either alone or in combination with other health care practitioners. These include:
• Preventative health care such as detoxification, optimal health programs, cold & flu prevention.
• Chronic conditions such as migraines, allergies, weight management, digestive health, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, heart disease, gynecological complaints, skin conditions, etc.
• Acute conditions such as headaches, ear infections, intestinal upset, colds & flu, sore throats, etc.
• Mental & emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, etc.
• Acute physical injury and trauma will be referred to an appropriate specialist.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Naturopathic medicine is about becoming an active part in your own health. The first appointment with a naturopathic doctor is typically 45 minutes to 1.5 hrs. During this time your ND will take a detailed history of your current and past health concerns to help fully understand all the factors influencing your life such as lifestyle, stress, digestion, energy, diet, sleep, etc. In addition, relevant physical exam and lab tests may be ordered to help formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. With the patient's cooperation, a personalized treatment plan will be proposed to help facilitate achieving his or her health goals. Subsequent visits are generally about 30 minutes and are designed to help fine tune the treatment plan. The number and frequency of visits will depend on how long you have had a condition for and the severity.
How are naturopathic doctors trained?
Similar to a medical doctor, the naturopathic doctor first completes a minimum of 3 years pre-medical university sciences then enters into a four-year, full-time medical program at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine. Currently there are two accredited schools in Canada: CCNM (Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, located in Toronto) and BINM (Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, located in New Westminster, BC). Medical training includes 4500 hours of classroom training and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. In order to be a licensed ND, the student must pass the NPLEX board exams as well as obtain continuing medical education credits as required on a yearly basis.
How do I book an appointment with Dr. Alea?
Contact the Vancouver Naturopathic Clinic at 604-738-2111 or email her directly at doctoralea.nd@gmail.com. For more information please visit www.vancouvernaturopathicclinic.com
Where can I learn more about Naturopathic Medicine?
AANMC (Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges): http://www.aanmc.org/
BCNA (British Columbia Naturopathic Association): www.bcna.ca
CAND (Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors): www.cand.ca
CNPBC (College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia): www.cnpbc.bc.ca
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