I recently found myself having an engaging discussion with a fellow passenger on a flight to Vancouver regarding my work as a Naturopathic Doctor. Like many people I encounter, he had heard about Naturopathic medicine from a friend seeing a Naturopathic Doctor but was not too clear what it was and how it could help him with some of his health issues. Further into our discussion, it became clear that there were some beliefs on Naturopathic medicine that seemed to be pervasive and needed clarification. The whole flight was fairly short but after that conversation, I thought about how often I find myself ‘debunking’ certain myths of Naturopathic Medicine. Here are 4 of those common myths.

Myth #1 – Naturopathic Medicine is ‘unscientific’ and not ‘evidence-based’.

Evidence-based medicine is the integration of best research evidence with clinical experience and patient values. On a daily basis, prominent scientific journals publish research on treatments commonly used in Naturopathic medicine. Keeping up with such research is important to Naturopathic Doctors because it provides a guiding framework for our clinical practice. However, Naturopathic Medicine is more than adhering to specific treatments found in scientific literature. It is a personalized model of health care that integrates a variety of treatments that best address the whole patient. The best way to describe Naturopathic medicine is that it is a health model grounded in both science (evidence on underlying mechanisms and contributing factors to disease) and art (clinical practice of integrating individualized therapies to address the whole patient).

Myth #2 – Patients need to choose between Naturopathic medicine and conventional medical care.

We are lucky to live in a country where we can make choices, but choosing to use Naturopathic medicine does not preclude using conventional medical care. In fact, we view Naturopathic medicine as integrative and complementary to conventional medicine.

Naturopathic Doctors are trained on using the results of conventional diagnostics (blood work, ultrasounds, etc.) to shed light on a patient’s case and are knowledgeable on pharmaceutical medications and interactions so that they can provide the safest and most effective recommendations to support your health. Naturopathic Doctors will also refer and collaborate with conventional Medical Doctors and specialists if needed.

Myth #3 – Naturopathic Doctors prescribe an enormous number of nutritional supplements.

The greatest strength of Naturopathic medicine is its ability to provide unique, individualized care using a variety of different tools and treatments. Nutritional supplements may be one of many treatment recommendations if prescribed appropriately. I often tell my patients that I only recommend nutritional supplements that are valuable in supporting their health goals and that are important at the present time to make a difference to their health. The number, dosage and duration of the supplements recommended are specific to the patient’s case.

Myth #4 – Naturopathic patients are all expected to undergo drastic lifestyle and dietary changes.

Lifestyle and dietary counselling play an important part in Naturopathic recommendations. Although there is no doubt that health results from the foods we eat and our daily lifestyle choices, they are the most difficult to change. The good news is that no matter where a patient starts, even small manageable changes over a course of time can have a profound effect on improving and maintaining health.

~ Dr. Patti Yik

Interested in finding out more about Naturopathic Medicine and how it can help with your health concerns?  Call for an appointment today!