What Is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is an integrated approach to primary health care that combines and coordinates evidenced-based medicine and training with natural and traditional therapies.  

The philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine is to treat the whole person, balancing mind, body and spirit in order to achieve a state of vibrant health. 

Treatment plans are individualized, based on the patient’s whole health history, and may include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, acupuncture, Traditional Asian Medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine, counseling and lifestyle modifications. 

Ultimately, the goal of Naturopathic Medicine is to help make you, the patient, feel better by treating the root cause of your illness. 

How do you become a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine?

  • Complete a bachelors degree at an accredited post-secondary institution that includes at least 90 credits of pre-med studies

  • Complete a 4-year-full time program at an accredited school of Naturopathic Medicine that includes more than 4,500 hours of classroom training and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.

  • Pass the 4 day national licencing exam (NPLEX) and the 1 day BC board exam

What is the philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine?
1.  First Do No Harm – primum non nocere
2. The Healing Power of Nature – vis medicatrix naturae
3. Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect – tolle causam
4. Treat the Whole Person – tolle totum
5. The Physician is a Teacher – docere
6. Prevention is the best “cure” – praevenire

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by MSP?
No, it is not covered by MSP though you may be partially covered up to 10 visits if you qualify for premium assistance. Naturopathic medicine is covered by most extended medical plans. Please check with your extended health plan to determine if and how much you are covered.

Can Naturopathic Doctors prescribe medications?
Yes. Both Dr. Field and Dr. Sigalet have prescribing rights in BC. They can both prescribe medications according to the Standards and Limitations established by their college, the CNPBC.

What is the difference between Naturopathic Doctors and Homeopaths?
Naturopathic Doctors are not Homeopaths, there are a number of very important differences between the two:

  1. Training: Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are required to undergo a minimum of 7 years of full-time post-secondary education that involves training in anatomy, pathology and diagnosis. The training for Homeopaths is not standardized and varies greatly depending on where you obtain your training. Often training is through distance education courses held on numerous weekends over the course of a year or so.

  2. Licensure: NDs are licensed health care providers, regulated just as nurses and medical doctors are. Homeopaths are unregulated and not licensed in the province of BC.

  3. Treatments. Homeopaths can only prescribe homeopathic remedies. Naturopathic Doctors are trained and licensed to prescribe any combination of the following treatments: botanical medicine, nutritional advice, nutritional supplementation, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and/or homeopathic remedies.