Naturopathic medicine is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using a culmination of traditional natural therapies from around the world, which have proven successful for 200 to 3,000 years. Naturopathic medicine is based on the Hippocratic Oath and six main principles:

• First, do no harm
• Support the healing power of nature
• The Doctor is a Teacher
• Find and treat the cause
• Treat the whole person: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
• Prevention through education

As described above, naturopathic medicine is an umbrella term for many natural healing therapies from around the world. One of those is homeopathic medicine . Naturopathic doctors are regulated by provincial agencies in most provinces and in BC by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC. Homeopathic practitioners usually only practice homeopathy and are as yet unregulated by any government body.

Naturopathic doctors are general practitioners of natural medicine who have at least seven years of post-secondary education. This includes a minimum of a 3-year undergraduate university degree and 4 years at one of the five accredited naturopathic institutions in North America. Naturopathic physicians are trained in the basic medical sciences including: anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. They complete an internship, which involves treating patients in a clinical setting. Graduates must pass rigorous provincial and international licensing examinations prior to registration as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Naturopathic doctors are trained to know when to refer patients to other health care practitioners.

The first visit requires 1 hour to do a full case taking and brief physical exam.  The cost of this visit is $80.00.  In most cases the following are prescribed at the first visit: homeopathic drainage remedies (3 for $60) and a high potency probiotic ($35).  So the first visit usually costs $175 plus GST including supplements.  Follow up visits are 2-4 weeks later and cost $40 for 30 min or $80 for 1 hour if EFT or Bowen Therapy is done. Package rates available.

MSP Premium Assistance

If all or part of your MSP premium is covered by the government (i.e. income below $24,000) then you also get 10 subsidized visits a year to complimentary practitioners (naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists) combined.  There is an additional charge of $30 on the first visit or if EFT or Bowen is done.

Extended Health Care

Most extended health care plans include naturopathic medicine with varying limits depending on your plan.  Usually most of the visit cost is covered but not the prescribed remedies.  However, you can use the full total of your receipt when claiming medical expenses for income tax.