1. An Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine

2. What is Naturopathic Medicine? Naturopathic Medicine is the art and science of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease using natural therapies with a focus on optimizing health and well-being through individualized patient care.

3. Principles of Naturopathic Medicine 1. First do no harm 2. The healing power of nature 3. Identify and treat the cause 4. Doctor as teacher 5. Treat the whole person 6. Health promotion is the best prevention

4. Education and Licensure Approximately 3-4 years of university education to complete pre-requisites in basic sciences. 4 year intensive naturopathic medical education at an accredited institution recognized by the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education www.cnme.orgwww.cnme.org Licensing exams set by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners www.nabne.orgwww.nabne.org Membership in a provincial association. Membership in the national association (CAND).

5. What Can You Expect From a Naturopathic Doctor?

6. Initial Consultation Investigation of Chief Concerns Past Medical History/Family History Lifestyle Habits/Diet Review of Supplements and Medications Review of Systems Review Bloodwork, Imaging, other pertinent info Determine Treatment Plan and Prognosis

7. Naturopathic Medicine Clinical Nutrition Botanical Medicine Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Homeopathy Hydrotherapy Lifestyle Counseling

8. Does Health Insurance Cover Naturopathic Medicine? Most private insurance plans cover naturopathic treatments. Insured patients are encouraged to contact their employer or individual insurance agents to determine if they are covered and to request that their policy he extended to include naturopathic services if it does not already do so.

9. Where to get more information Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors www.cand.cawww.cand.ca British Columbia Naturopathic Association www.bcna.cawww.bcna.ca Alberta Association of Naturopathic Physicians www.naturopathic-alberta.com Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners www.sanp.cawww.sanp.ca Manitoba Naturopathic Association www.mbnd.cawww.mbnd.ca Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors www.oand.orgwww.oand.org Quebec Association of Naturopathic Medicine www.qanm.orgwww.qanm.org New Brunswick Association of Naturopathic Doctors www.nband.cawww.nband.ca Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors www.nsand.cawww.nsand.ca Prince Edward Island Association of Naturopathic Doctors www.peiand.com www.peiand.com Newfoundland and Labrador, call Kathleen Mercer, ND 709.687.1137