Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that emphasizes disease prevention and focuses on treating the underlying root causes of disease.

It integrates scientific knowledge with natural therapies including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine (osseous manipulation, massage therapy), traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and lifestyle counselling. With additional training, other therapies may include prescription medication (certain provinces), IV therapy, injection therapy, and minor surgery.

To become a fully qualified naturopathic doctor, a four year Bachelor’s degree is required, before attending an accredited naturopathic medical school for an additional four years. While attending the doctoral-level naturopathic medical program, naturopathic doctors complete over 4100 hours studying biochemistry, physiology, pathology, anatomy, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, neuroanatomy, and clinical diagnosis. This also includes extensive learning hours in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine (osseous manipulation, massage therapy), IV therapy, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and lifestyle counselling. This is followed by 1200 hours of supervised hands-on clinical training.

Upon graduation, two sets of North American standardized board exams must be passed to qualify for naturopathic doctor licensure. Naturopathic doctors are regulated nationally by The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and provincially by regulatory bodies (such as The College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta). To remain in good standing, naturopathic doctors are required to complete continuing education hours on an on-going basis.

Licensed naturopathic doctors are primary care providers trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat both acute and chronic illnesses. The difference between conventional medicine and naturopathic medicine is in the philosophical approach and therapies used. While conventional medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of disease, naturopathic medicine focuses on treating the underlying root causes of disease with an emphasis on prevention.

Naturopathic doctors use a holistic approach that focuses on all aspects of an individual, including physical, mental, emotional, environmental, lifestyle, genetic, and social. Naturopathic doctors also study additional topics not covered in conventional medical schools. These include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, physical medicine (osseous manipulation, massage therapy), hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and lifestyle counselling. Through collaboration of different healthcare practitioners, the integration of both conventional and complementary approaches can achieve effective results for patients.