My Story
I was introduced to naturopathic medicine while working for a health collective in Calgary, Alberta. The differing approach to health and wellness between practitioners is what immediately drew me towards naturopathy. When my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer, I got to see first hand how much of an impact those differing approaches can have on a patient facing a very difficult health journey.
When my mom returned to work as an accountant after her first surgery, I returned to school to start my journey to become an ND.
So, What Is the Naturopathic Approach?
Naturopathic Medicine is a form of primary health care that understands that the body is constantly trying to heal itself in a principle called "the Healing Power of Nature". When we understand that, we can approach the body as a whole self, and direct our initiative at finding the root cause of dis-ease. By finding the root cause we can direct the patient in making changes in their life through a multitude of options to allow the body to heal itself.
All regulated naturopathic schools are a four year post undergraduate program which means we have at least 8 years of education. We truly are "medically trained but naturally focused" as the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors have promoted.
After the first two years, which are heavy in biomedical sciences, we write NPLEX 1 (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam) which tests us on our knowledge thus far. After the fourth year we write NPLEX 2 which tests our ability to diagnose based on symptoms as well as exams on other modalities such as herbal medicine and minor surgery.
In British Columbia, we have an additional practical exam with five components that we are required show competency in before we are allowed to gain licensure from the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC (CNPBC). This exam is also required to practice in Saskatchewan.
Between my first and second year at Boucher I was fortunate enough to join a group of other ND students and a few licensed NDs in Opetepe, Nicaragua for a trip with Naturopathic Doctors International. This group of amazing individuals raised money for supplies and brought donated supplements to a very grateful area of the country that needed it. It was a very eye opening experience showing how much impact we can have with very little resources.
I am a member of good standing with the Saskatchewan association of Naturopathic Practitioners (SANP) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). As of January 1, 2024 I no longer carry a licence with the CNPBC in the province of British Columbia.
Looking forward to joining you on your health journey!
The training to become an ND takes 4 years after a 4 year undergraduate degree. Naturopathic courses include but are not limited to:
Clinical Diagnosis: Being able to first and foremost correctly identify pathologies and ensure the safety of our patients is of the utmost importance. Because we are not emergent health care providers primarily, we need to be able to identify when to refer our patients to other medical colleagues. After ruling out the emergent, we then look for the root cause of the dis-ease state. This is done by assessing the patient as a whole person.
Clinical nutrition- “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” - Hippocrates
Lifestyle counselling- Often an obstacle to cure is what we are doing in our day to day routines, and when removing these obstacles, healing begins.
Traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture- Using the Chinese theory to diagnose and treat dis-ease.
Botanical medicine- Plants are an amazing tool for so many aspects of health.
Naturopathic manipulation- Addressing physical alignment to support healing, much like a chiropractor and massage therapist.
Health promotion and disease prevention- The ideal state once the body is at its optimal health and we are feeling well.
Hydrotherapy - The use of water as a tool to stimulate the body to heal - my favourite here is the Warming Sock treatment.
Bastyr University describes it here: https://health.bastyr.edu/news/health-tips/2009/11/dive-feet-first-wellness-natural-remedy
Homeopathy- The energetics of plants and natural substances captured by water and utilized for hundreds of years- it was the Queens choice of medicine!
