Naturopathy
Naturopathy, Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic Medicine
About Naturopathic Services
Naturopathic medicine is an efficient path toward treating, managing or preventing a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions. Naturopathic and nutritional services provided by our naturopathic doctors are covered by most employee benefits.
About Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic doctors at the Pacific Wellness Institute are general practitioners of natural medicine.
The following are a few of the many ways naturopathic doctors at the Pacific Wellness can help you:
- Lower high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Relieve or reduce the symptoms of PMS and hormonal imbalances
- Detoxify toxins from your body
- Improve conditions for pregnancy
- Prevent or manage cancer
- Manage diabetes and blood sugar
- Plan or fine-tune your fitness or diet regime
- Reduce the Candida overgrowth
- Manage menopause-related symptoms
- Reduce or eliminate allergies
- Naturally treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- Stress management
- Help deal with depression and anxiety
- Improve your immune system
- Improve digestive function
- Manage autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Celiac Disease, Graves’ Disease, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Although naturopathic medicine is effective in the treatment of a wide variety of health challenges, it is vital to note that it also suffers its limitations. You might wonder what setbacks it could have. A vivid illustration will be the occurrence of respiratory emergencies. Such a health challenge requires the assistance of conventional treatment. Hence, it is essential that you have it in mind that this nature of getting rid of maladies isn’t an all or nothing kind of intervention procedure. You can always approach this treatment in addition to modern medicine to get the desired result.
What To Expect at the naturopathic Clinic
Your first visit to our clinic for naturopathic medicine will consist of us requesting a comprehensive health history including that of your present, past, and family. Diet and lifestyle are also vital components in getting to know the patient. Hence, we would need that information too.
Focused physical exams are other things you should expect to undergo on your first visit for naturopathic medicine. During this appearance, any laboratory testing that we deem necessary we would arrange as needed. We recommend that you bring along with you your most recent lab work if any.
After that, at the appropriate time, you will get your naturopathic treatments and prescriptions. While the first time visitation can gulp a lot of your time, the good news is that the follow-up naturopathic appointments are most often shorter.
The naturopathic services are covered by most employee benefits.
Direct insurance billing available!
Vopisiting Stages to Naturath
First Naturopathic Visit
- Comprehensive intake based on information from patient forms, including immediate health concerns
- A brief discussion of possible treatment plans
- A complaint-oriented physical exam
- Laboratory testing recommendations (when applicable)
- Goal setting
Second Naturopathic Visit
- A complete general physical exam
- A thorough investigation of diet and lifestyle
- Reviewing lab work (when applicable)
- A detailed naturopathic treatment plan
Follow-Up Naturopathic Visit
- Follow-up on recommended treatment plans, modifying as necessary
- Identifying any remaining concerns and potential treatment plans
- Addressing new additional health issues (if any)
Mini Follow-Up Naturopathic Visit
- Follow-up on recommended treatment plans, modifying as necessary
- Identifying any remaining obstacles to cure
- Consistent and regular monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of treatment plans
- Re-evaluating goals
The Difference Of Naturopathic Medicine
You should know that the naturopathic medicine offers more than just treating your maladies alongside taking care of the symptoms that come with it. This health solution carries out a wholesome healing process. The following are a few key ways that naturopathic medicine differs from conventional treatment:
ADDRESSES THE ROOT ISSUE OF THE CONDITION
Naturopathic medicine doesn’t target the symptoms or the current situation. No. This malady eradication approach goes beneath the symptoms to identify the roots of the illness and tackles it. The result you get at the end of the day is your body working positively in healing itself.
Now, this assertion is not to say that medical practitioners do not work their way towards the bottom, but their approach takes time to get there. That is because, for a sub sequential part of their treatment, they pay more attention to the symptoms.
PREVENTS MALADIES FROM TAKING HOLD
As always prevention is the best cure for sicknesses. For naturopathic medicine, that is the way things are. This treatment tries to keep the body at its top performance and away from illness. It does this by employing natural methods in lifestyle changes, diet, and supplements.
THE DOCTOR IS YOUR TEACHER
Unlike the conventional approach, the naturopath doctor isn’t the one carrying out the healing process on you. You are. The doctor only serves as a guide to teach you and your body how to heal each other. Hence, you get the encouragement necessary to become responsible for promoting and maintaining your health.
Contact us
The Pacific Wellness Institute is conveniently located in downtown Toronto, at the northwest corner of Bay and Bloor Streets directly above the Bay subway station. (about Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto)
Phone
(416) 929-6958
__________________
FAX
(416) 929-6365
info@pacificwellness.ca
Location
80 Bloor Street West, Suite 1100,
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2V1
Directions
TTC Subway:
BAY Station (Bloor – Danforth Line) exit Westbound Platform to the Bay Street. Turn right on Bloor street, then you’ll find our building (80 Bloor Street West). Take the elevator to the 11th floor. Less than 1 minute walk to our building from the BAY station. There is also direct underground access to our facility from the BAY station.
BLOOR Station (Yonge – University Line) exit South Bound platform to the Bloor street. Walk towards Bay street (West direction). Immediately after crossing the Bay street, you’ll find our building (80 Bloor Street West). Take the elevator to the 11th floor. Less than 5 min. walk to our building from the BLOOR station. There is also direct underground access to our facility from the BLOOR station.
Alternate subway stations (10-15 min. walk to us): St George and Museum stations
Parking: There is parking available just east of Bay Street between Cumberland and Yorkville avenue. There are many other parking options available nearby.
FAQ about Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare. What this entails is that through this system of patient care, you get the chance to not only treat the illness but at the same time you get whole body health optimization. Our naturopath Toronto doctors are the general practitioners of natural medicine. They will provide health care to patients using the following naturopathic principles:
- Diagnose and treat patient’s illness with the least amount of force, side effects, and symptom suppression
- Identify and address the root of the sickness
- Teach the patient about healthy lifestyle choices to prevent disease
- Individualize treatment to unify and balance the person’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
- Focus on prevention
- Help and use the body’s natural ability to heal itself
You should note that all these principles contribute to how patients receive care in our clinic. A good illustration will be in the area of therapy. Our naturopath Toronto doctors employ treatments that ensure that a patient experiences minimal side effects and have no additional challenge. At the same time, they also administer therapies that will promote your body’s healing ability to improve health.
Naturopathic treatments base its practice on age-old traditions and modern science such as:
- Clinical nutrition
- Botanical/herbal medicine
- Asian Medicine
- Homeopathy
- Physical medicine including exercise
- Lifestyle counseling
What kind of training does a naturopathic doctor receive?
Naturopathic doctors are a regulated profession in Ontario. A licensed and registered naturopathic doctor (ND) has received at least four years of post-graduate training from an accredited naturopathic medical institution. Pre-admission requirements include three years of pre-medical studies at a university.
The training of naturopaths includes basic, medical, and clinical science. It also entails diagnostics, naturopathic principals and therapeutics. Finally, they obtain extensive clinical experience under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors.
Graduates receive a Bachelor of Naturopathy and the title “N.D.” or Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. Being a graduate isn’t where the screening ends. As an N.D, for you to get the license to practice your knowledge, you will have to go through stringent board evaluations.
Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario falls under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
Can a naturopathic doctor treat me if I already have a medical doctor?
Yes. Ideally, healthcare professionals should work together in the best interest of the patient. Each healthcare profession has its area of specialty and defining scope of practice. It may be necessary for the ND to request information from your other health care professional to determine the best approach to your treatment.
Can a naturopathic doctor treat me even if I’m on prescription medication?
Yes. In fact, more often than not, naturopath patients are on prescription medication during their added treatment. You don’t have to worry. A licensed naturopathic doctor has received training in pharmacology and knows of drug-nutrient-herb interactions. Hence, they know what natural medication could improve your healing or counter the effects of the drug thus encouraging danger and harm.
While on your medication, a Naturopath doctor will not request that you halt your treatment if such action leads to harmful effects on you. Instead, they will provide ways through Naturopathic medicine to help you manage side effects of treatment, identify ways to help you benefit most from your medication, and appropriate cases, possibly lower your dose of prescription medication.
What does a visit to a naturopathic doctor involve?
Your participation, in simple terms.
Before your first visit to a naturopath Toronto doctor, part of your requirements is to complete a comprehensive intake form with questions designed to give the ND a well-rounded profile about you. That encompasses work, diet, emotions, stress, exercise, and exposure to environmental hazards. All information provided is confidential.
During the initial visit, the ND will ask further questions based on the information on the intake form. The ND will also perform a complaint oriented physical exam and may refer you for blood and urine tests if necessary. Treatment prescription could start from the first day but not always. The patient will gain better insight into his or her health and health-related goals.
How often would I need to visit the naturopathic doctor?
It varies on the needs of the patient. If you are a patient that requires more healthcare support, you might have to meet up with your ND weekly. Others may only need to visit the Naturopathic Doctor once every few weeks, month, or a few months. So, the frequency of visits is part of the individual’s treatment plan and is discussed together with the patient in the initial visit.
Why does naturopathic treatment cost so much?
At first glance, naturopathic treatment may seem much more expensive than current conventional medicine because it does not have the cover of OHIP. However, in the long run, naturopathic treatment can afford you a life with lower medication costs, lesser illness and pain-filled days, and less dependence on a health care system.
Naturopathic Medicine Toronto doesn’t get the coverage of OHIP but can appear under extended health care plans. Be sure to check with your specific provider to determine your coverage entitlements. Also, note that Naturopathic services are HST exempt. It is important to remember that Naturopathic Medicine is an investment in your health and long-term wellness. The primary focus is on prevention and achieving optimal health, in addition to treating the root of the disease.
A naturopathic visit is typically longer and more comprehensive than a typical appointment with your MD.
Naturopathic Medicine Toronto views each person as truly individual, and the treatment will target the root of the malady. All treatment decisions will be made based on clinical experience, leading research, and specific goals of the patient. This results in a comprehensive and individualized treatment protocol
What should I look forward to when I arrive for my first Naturopathic visit?
On your first visit to our naturopath Toronto clinic, you should proceed to the receptionist desk to inform them of your reason for the visit. After that, you will receive a naturopathic intake and consent form. The next thing for you to do is to fill the form and hand it back to the receptionist. While you are filling this form, the receptionist will ask you about your extended health insurance benefits. That is to know if you have coverage and to begin processing your claims.
Once you are through with the form, the receptionist will turn over the document to the Naturopathic doctor who will go through it before seeing you. After the ND must have concluded going through the information you supplied, you will receive the go-ahead to enter into the treatment office to begin.
Should I arrive early for my initial Naturopathic visit?
Yes. Please, endeavor to arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment to provide sufficient time to fill out the intake and consent forms. Doing this ensures that your visit begins on time and you will have the full 60 minutes with the Naturopathic Doctor.
What should I bring to my first Naturopathic visit?
You should come along with your recent laboratory blood results, ultrasounds, X-rays, and any other diagnostic material. In addition, if you utilize any supplements or medications, please bring them as you come. By doing this, you allow the Naturopathic Doctor to get a more holistic and thorough understanding of your medical concerns and history. If you fail to bring them along with you on your first visit, the Naturopathic Doctor will request that you come along with them on the second visit
What does the initial Naturopathic visit look like?
The initial Naturopathic visit focuses primarily on information gathering. Hence, in this stage of the visit, your Naturopathic Doctor will obtain a comprehensive health history of your present, past, and family. Alongside that, the ND will ask you about your lifestyle and diet as well as any medications and supplements you may be taking. The naturopathic doctor will go through your health goals, assesses the problem, and make suggestions to remedy the health concerns. Additionally, you might undergo lab testing, if needed.
What is the typical structure of Naturopathic visits?
After the initial 60 minute visit, your ND will request that you return within approximately 1-2 weeks for your second visit. During this visit, your Naturopathic Doctor will perform a physical screening exam and go through your current health issues with you. After discussing the physical exam and lab test results (if applicable), you will receive a detailed, individualized treatment plan that your Naturopathic Doctor will thoroughly review with you.
For your third visit, it is two weeks later as a quick check-in for two categories of patients. Those who feel they need more support or those the Naturopathic Doctor believes it is necessary. Otherwise, the third visit is approximately 3-4 weeks after the second visit, for 30 minutes. The timing and length of follow-up appointments after the third visit is dependent on each patient’s unique needs (see next question).
How often do I need to see my Naturopathic Doctor?
Three things determine how often you get to meet up with your ND, your treatment plan, the health concerns presented at the initial visit, and your needs. Most often, patients tend to see their Naturopathic Doctor more frequently in the beginning, then approximately once per month, then every 6-8 weeks as maintenance. The spacing of your appointments will depend on progress and if new concerns arise, which your Naturopathic Doctor will talk over with you.
During each visit to naturopathic medicine Toronto, your Naturopathic Doctor will evaluate all of your health concerns presented in the initial visit and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss any new issues. Also, the naturopathic doctor will review your recommended treatment plan on every visit to identify if it is still safe and effective. The examination can cover diet and lifestyle recommendations, nutritional supplements, botanicals, or behavioral prescriptions. Any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan will occur in these follow-up visits. So, it is vital to regularly check in with your Naturopathic Doctor to ensure that your individualized treatment plan works for you and your lifestyle, in addition to providing the desired results.
If I don’t follow the treatment plan my Naturopathic Doctor recommended, what should I do?
Patients often think that if they do not follow the treatment plan recommended that the next step is to cancel their appointment with the Naturopathic Doctor and reschedule for a future time. However, the right thing to do is to keep up your visits to the ND and let them know why you are unable to keep up with your treatment plan. This way you can present any issues or concerns that your Naturopathic Doctor needs to take into consideration to re-evaluate your treatment and provide more support. Your appointments with your Naturopathic Doctor are judgment-free. Hence, never be ashamed, to be honest, and open about difficulties you may be having.
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Hours
Mon – Fri — 9:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday — 9:00am – 4:30pm
Sunday — Closed