Guiding Prinicples/Naturopathic Medicine in NS

Overview of Naturopathic Philosophy

The philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine revolves around six guiding tenants:

1. First, do no harm – using methods and medicines that minimize the risk of harmful
side effects.

2. To treat the cause of disease – identifying and removing the underlying cause of illness, rather than suppressing symptoms.

3. To teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine – sharing knowledge with patients and encouraging individual responsibility for health.

4. To heal the whole person through individualized treatment – understanding the unique physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors that contribute to illness and customizing treatment protocols to the patient.

5. To emphasize prevention – partnering with the patient to assess risk factors and recommend appropriate naturopathic interventions to maintain health and prevent illness.

6. To support the healing power of the body – recognizing and removing obstacles to the body’s inherent self-healing process.

Guided by these tenants, naturopathic doctors strive to work with you to improve your well-being and reach your goals.

Naturopathic Medicine in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has recently joined the ranks of provinces that have legislation supporting Naturopathic Medicine. Currently, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario (Alberta – expected in 2009) have full regulation of naturopathic medicine. Nova Scotia has recently passed legislation (Naturopathic Doctors Act – July 2008) protecting the title of Naturopathic Doctor. Until now, in Nova Scotia it was a “buyer beware” market, where individuals without necessary training could promote themselves as Naturopathic Doctors. This new legislation offers Nova Scotians reassurance that if they are visiting a Naturopathic Doctor, they are seeing someone who has met rigorous training and regulatory standards. While this is an excellent step in the right direction, our provincial association is still actively pursuing more comprehensive legislation.

Naturopathic Medical Training

Naturopathic Medical training is rigorous, thorough and demanding. After completing a baccalaureate degree (4 years post secondary schooling), prospective NDs must then complete a challenging four-year, full-time naturopathic medical program at an accredited institution (Canada currently has two: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, and The Boucher Institute in Vancouver). Upon completion of their schooling, graduates must successfully complete, NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam) a standardized, internationally recognized licensing exam. Finally, the graduate must meet provincial jurisdictional requirements to become fully licensed.