See below for many common questions about Naturopathic medicine. Do you have a question you don’t see answered below? Contact us directly for the answer.
Answer: Naturopathic medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating the cause of disease using natural therapies. It emphasizes prevention and the treatment of the whole person.
Answer: Naturopathic medicine assists each patient to create a suitable and healthy environment in order for the body to heal itself.
Answer: Definitely. Naturopathic medicine is focused on treating causes, not just symptoms. While identifying the cause of any particular condition may take time, each treatment step is aimed at improving your overall health. This is all part of preventing illnesses in the future, which can cut down or eliminate health care costs in your future.
Answer: Naturopathic Doctors complete undergraduate training and then attend a four-year post-graduate naturopathic medical school. They are educated in the conventional sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and the signs and symptoms of disease. Naturopathic Doctors however also receive extensive clinical training in nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. Naturopaths focus on evidence based natural medicine, and are uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between conventional and alternative medicine.
Answer: Naturopathic medicine focuses on the health of the entire body and not the specific disease, and has the ability to treat many condition that are treated with conventional interventions. Additionally, many conditions that are deemed “untreatable” by conventional physicians have been dramatically improved with Naturopathic therapies.
For a more extensive list of conditions, see the sidebar on this page.
Answer: Although OHIP does not cover Naturopathic medicine, most extended health care plans provide coverage. Plans typically provide coverage for Naturopathy provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. Please check your benefits plan.
Answer: Yes. Naturopathic Doctors frequently rely on diagnostic testing before installing a treatment protocol. These include conventional testing methods such as blood work, urinalysis, etc. Other Naturopathic testing includes saliva hormone testing, stool analysis, food sensitivity testing, vitamin/mineral analyses and hair mineral analysis.
For a more extensive list of diagnostic testing, see our Treatments page.
Answer: Typically your first appointment with Dr. Katrina will be one hour in length. During this visit you will discuss your concerns, your medical history and a thorough health history, as well any necessary testing may be ordered. During the second visit, a physical exam will usually be performed and a personalized treatment plan put into place. Subsequent visits are usually 30 minutes in length to follow-up and continue with the treatment.
Answer: Please contact Dr. Katrina if you have a condition that makes it difficult to visit her office. A house visit can be arranged.