The Science of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Nicole Monk – A licensed Naturopathic Doctor and a member of the CAND, NSAND, and CNDA. She takes a root-cause approach to care, with a focus on preventative health and the foundational pillars of wellness to manage and prevent disease.

Key Takeaways:

• Naturopathy blends natural healing with modern science
• Focuses on treating the root cause, not just covering up symptoms
• Gaining traction in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure
  
  

For centuries, the indigenous people of Canada used plants, diet, and lifestyle changes to treat illnesses and ailments. They trusted the natural healing abilities of our bodies and relied on natural remedies to stay healthy. 

It wasn’t until the rise of conventional medicine in the 20th century that people began to trust it over naturopathic practices. 

Recently, though, the pendulum has swung again. Naturopathy is on the rise as many Canadians realize just how beneficial it can be.

What is Naturopathy? 

Naturopathy isn’t just about sipping herbal tea, popping a few vitamins, or being anti-vaccine or anti-pharmaceutical. 

While the ideology behind naturopathy is natural healing through alternative medicine, it encompasses a lot more. 

Naturopathy is the science behind healing the body as an entire whole, not just focusing on a particular illness or symptoms. It focuses on finding the root cause of your health concerns rather than just keeping symptoms in check.

For example, if you’ve got a headache, a conventional doctor would most likely prescribe you a painkiller. However, a naturopath will figure out what’s causing it. It could be poor sleep, diet, or stress that could be the root cause, not the headache itself. 

Today, Naturopathic Doctors are highly trained professionals who utilize evidence-based practices and work alongside conventional medical doctors to offer a more holistic approach to healthcare. 

They utilize techniques such as dietary control, lifestyle coaching, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, exercise, hydrotherapy and massages to improve physical and mental health. 

Does Science Back Naturopathy?

While naturopathic services and/or treatments incorporate elements of modern science, they aren’t entirely based on scientific evidence. Some practices still use traditional wisdom, while most incorporate scientifically proven techniques to help people live healthier, happier lives.

While the diagnosis methods and treatment approaches are still a topic of growing debate in the scientific community, several scientific studies show clear evidence of how naturopathic medicine helps patients deal with chronic conditions like arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraines, and digestive issues.

A Canadian randomized controlled trial published in CMAJ Open found that naturopathic care reduced 10-year cardiovascular risk by 3.6% in patients with elevated cardiovascular risk factors. This study included individualized diet and lifestyle counselling, as well as natural supplements like omega-3s and plant sterols as part of patient treatment.

Another 2020 review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found naturopathic treatments improved quality of life and symptom scores in patients with chronic pain, fatigue, and anxiety.

This review was backed by another 2019 study published in the National Library of Medicine that concluded that “multi-modality naturopathic medicine was effective for treating cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal pain, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, depression, anxiety, and a range of complex chronic conditions.”

These studies and many others indicate how invaluable naturopathic intervention can be for treating chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and obesity, all while improving health and quality of life.

Common Naturopathic Treatments

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors use a toolbox full of treatments and techniques, with the following being some of the most common methods:

• Nutritional advice: Recommend dietary changes based on medical history and current lifestyle. Encourage whole foods, balanced meals, and supplements if needed.
• Herbal medicine: Prescribe plants and herbs that have natural healing properties, like echinacea or turmeric.
• Hydrotherapy: Use water (hot and cold) to reduce pain, improve circulation, and relax muscles
• Physical treatments: Massage, stretching, or gentle spinal adjustments
• Lifestyle coaching: Techniques for handling stress, sleeping better, and setting healthier routines

How Does Naturopathy Work with Regular Doctors?

In Canada, naturopaths and MDs often work together. They can be part of the same care team, especially for folks with chronic health problems. 

If someone is seeing a family doctor for diabetes, a naturopath can bring about further improvement through stress management, weight loss, dietary improvement, and natural herbs and supplements to support conventional medicine.

That mix can often lead to much better long-term results.

What Kind of Training Do Naturopaths Have?

Naturopathic doctors in Canada have to complete a four-year post-graduate program at an accredited naturopathic medical school. They study anatomy, physiology, clinical science, and natural medicine.

In Nova Scotia, naturopaths are regulated by the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND). You can check if someone’s licensed at nsand.ca.

Is Naturopathy Right for You?

Like any field, naturopathy faces criticism. Some people think it’s too “alternative” or not backed by enough science. Others worry about safety or about having to skip conventional treatment.

But these are simply myths and misconceptions.

The reality is that a naturopath won’t ever try to replace your doctor. They’ll always work with them.

It is also important to note that naturopathic treatments are the least harmful option as they don’t involve prescription medications that are often riddled with side effects. Suggested treatments are always manageable, natural, and focus on giving your body the boost it needs to heal on its own.

So, whether naturopathy is right for you or not comes down to whether you are willing to give it a try. Many who do never look back, and who knows, it could be just what your body’s been asking for. 

Looking for Naturopathic Help in Nova Scotia?

At Spectrum Therapeutic Solutions, we believe in a holistic and preventative approach to health and healing. 

Dr. Nicole Monk, our Certified Naturopathic Physician, works hand-in-hand with clients to uncover the root causes of their health concerns and address them as naturally as possible.

Whether it’s burnout, IBS, or just wanting to feel better day to day, she is here to support you with care that’s thoughtful, practical, safe, and backed by science.

Book an appointment or call (902)-932-2395 for more details.

FAQs

Q1) What kinds of health issues can naturopathy treat? 

Naturopathy can help treat a wide range of health issues, including skin diseases, anxiety, sleeping disorders, hormonal imbalances, digestive troubles, headaches, and more. They’re especially helpful for chronic illnesses that require additional care and a personalized approach.

Q2) Is naturopathy safe? 

Naturopathy is not only safe but also legal and heavily regulated in most provinces and territories in Canada, including Nova Scotia. Licensed naturopaths follow strict safety guidelines and work closely with other healthcare providers. 

Q3) Is naturopathy the same as homeopathy? 

Nope. Homeopathy uses super-diluted remedies based on the idea that “like cures like.” Naturopathy is broader. It uses herbs, diet, hands-on treatments, and science-based methods to help you feel better.