Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy (also known as naturopathic medicine or natural medicine) is a medical system that focuses on natural remedies and the body's vital ability to heal and maintain itself.

Principles of Naturopathy

What is the most important and essential nutrient for your body? It is the one in shortest supply. Discovering the nutrition you are lacking is one of the most important functions of the Naturopathic Physician. Very few cookbook remedies work because each of us is genetically and biochemically unique. Determining the best treatment plan usually requires some detective work to find out what your body really needs.

In my clinic I have two simple guiding principles when approaching your health concerns. First, I want to know the underlying cause of your symptoms and treat this. Second, I want to help strengthen your weakest and most critical organs in order to start the healing process. Healing is not a sudden event; it is a process that takes time. This is especially true in chronic illness. Even an acute illness such as the flu takes some time to resolve. Your body has an amazing ability to heal under the right conditions. My function is to help provide those right conditions.

Brief History of Naturopathy in BC

1923 Naturopathic doctors are licensed in BC along with MD's and osteopaths.

1936 Naturopathic doctors are legislated under their own provincial Act, the Naturopathic Physicians Act.

1958 The government recognizes that many traditional therapeutics used by NDs are now prescription only; a legislative mandate for prescribing rights is passed.

1992 The NDP government takes the legislative mandate to cabinet, but declines to move forward.

2008 The BC Liberals make a Throne Speech commitment to act on outstanding ND issues.

2009 Health Minister George Abbott formally announces new regulations for BC's NDs. Giving more options to patients.

*Excerpts taken from page 1 of newsletter Your Health Volume 15, Number 2, Spring 2009, News from the British Columbia Naturopathic Association

Present Legislation

Information on present legislation can be found on the BC Naturopathic Association website.

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