Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is primary care and complementary medicine that treats the underlying cause of disease; it is the art and science of supporting the natural healing processes of the patient and removing any obstacles to those processes when possible. It is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical, mental and emotional conditions; and it is the promotion of well-being using therapeutics that primarily support or enhance a patient’s overall health.
In BC, naturopathic doctors (NDs) are licensed to provide primary health care: Health care that emphasizes disease prevention by providing an individualized, patient-centered focus on healthy living, natural health products and therapies, diet, appropriate diagnostic testing and, when appropriate, integrating conventional medical care with complementary care.
Seeing an ND for the first time may be similar to seeing an MD—all primary care providers review health history and request standard diagnostic tests—but a consultation with an ND also encompasses a thorough assessment of personal health risks, including diet, exercise and stress.
An emphasis on disease prevention, nutritional advice, and natural health products are common practice amongst NDs. Underlying causes of disease are addressed with patients, not just symptoms. Educating patients on risk, considering contraindications / synergistic actions with drug and natural supplements, and encouraging self-responsibility for health are the foundation of the ND-patient relationship.
Many naturopathic doctors in BC have additional college-certified training in pharmaceutical prescriptions, immunization for those five years and older, IV and injection therapies, and physical medicine procedures such as prolotherapy.
Naturopathic doctors conduct a comprehensive intake focusing on a patient’s health history as well as their current medical issues. This history may involve a physical exam and the use of standard diagnostic instruments and laboratory tests. Naturopathic protocols are developed using not only standard lab tests but also lifestyle details such as dietary habits, emotional stress, exercise and exposure to environmental hazards.
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the promotion of health, prevention of disease, patient education and individual responsibility, arguably the most therapeutically cost-effective approaches to preventing and treating chronic disease. Doctors individualize treatment based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, blending centuries-old natural and non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering most aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care. Treatments are continually re-examined in the light of scientific advances.
Most patients find there are three major benefits to seeing an ND: primary care prevention-oriented medicine; valid complementary approaches when other treatments are causing side effects; or chronic
diseases for which conventional medicine has no effective treatment.
Many NDs in BC are trained and licensed to prescribe an extensive list of prescription medications. These may be used along with the previously listed therapies, as deemed appropriate, to provide primary care with a focus on wellness and prevention. Many botanical medicines, natural therapeutics and other traditional items had become “scheduled” or prescription only over the years; prescribing permits licensed NDs to access “historical use” natural medicines.
Most extended health care plans cover naturopathic doctors, usually between $200-500 per year. Some plans also include lab or diagnostic testing coverage. You can clarify coverage with your benefits manager. For individuals with a CRA recognized health spending account, visits to an ND are 100 per cent covered. In respect to the provincial MSP plan, there is limited coverage for individuals on premium assistance or social assistance only. Many NDs will direct bill your extended health plan provider; enquire in advance of your visit.
MEET Dr. Nikki Stephenson, ND
Dr. Nikki graduated from Trinity Western University with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics (Kinesiology). While there, she played varsity soccer (winning 4 national titles), while also playing for the Women’s Vancouver Whitecaps and Team Canada at the FISU games (in Serbia and China). After taking 6 months to travel the world, Dr. Nikki moved to Toronto to complete her Doctor of Naturopathy at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Dr. Nikki takes a wellness approach to healthcare by treating the whole person with evidence-based naturopathic medicine. She has a special interest in performance optimization for sport, musculoskeletal injury, and physical medicine; however, she does treat many other conditions, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Chronic fatigue
- Diabetes
- Gut health imbalances
- Hormonal imbalances
- Infertility
- Acute and chronic pain
- Headaches/migraines
- General wellness optimization
In her spare time, Dr. Nikki enjoys travelling, hiking, backcountry camping, running, and spending time with her husband and golden retriever.