Naturopathic Medicine

RELATED CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS

• Naturopathic medicine offers the chance to tell your health story in detail.
• Naturopathic philosophy states that the primary goal is to get to the root cause, rather than focus on symptoms.
• It is about being proactive, empowered and taking charge of your health
  

To achieve these goals, the primary focus is to work with each person on an individual level, creating a plan using natural medicines and lifestyle guidance to help them achieve their health goals for the long term.

• The initial visits are 1 hour and return visits are 30 minutes
• A thorough review of your health history and goals
• An in-depth assessment of diet, nutrition and lifestyle practices
• A physical exam if indicated
• Ordering of any tests if needed
• Creation of a comprehensive treatment plan to begin to work on your health goals.

Yes! In fact, we welcome as much information as possible so we can build a complete picture of your “whole” health, as we believe in the principle that all is connected in the body.

It depends on your concerns and health goals. For new patients, we may see them more frequently initially, then work on the creation of a long term plan for patients in which they come and check in, once, maybe twice per year as needed.

Of course! The success of your treatment depends on each person taking an active role in their health plan. You are in charge of your wellness so it is of the utmost importance that you understand fully your treatment plan and what you need to do to achieve your goals.

Yes, most of the patients we see have both a Naturopathic Doctor and a Medical Doctor. We believe in open and honest collaboration with all health care providers to ensure the best care and choice for each patient. It definitely doesn’t have to be one or the other!

A significant part of our practices work with concerns such as:

• Digestive problems including; IBS, food allergies, heartburn, constipation, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s
• Women’s health issues; hormonal imbalance, infertility, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, menopausal concerns, pregnancy and post-partum care
• Infant and Children’s health care including; diaper rash, allergies, eczema, asthma, colic, digestive concerns and infant food introduction
• Migraine headaches
• Seasonal and environmental allergies, asthma and auto-immune diseases
• Eczema, psoriasis, acne and fungal infections of the skin, acne
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol
• Depression, insomnia, anxiety, chronic fatigue, attention deficit disorder
  

At Cross Roads Naturopathic, we also offer acute visits for our patients that have:

• Colds, flu, allergies, ear infections, sore throats, urinary tract infections
• Don’t worry, we are fully trained to know when to refer if more intermediate care or medication is warranted.
  

A sampling of the services we offer:

• Full physical exams for the whole family, including well-child checks for little ones and pap tests for women.
• Diet and nutritional guidance
• Laboratory testing for general blood work, hormones, food allergies, nutrient status and heavy metal status
• IV nutrition and IV chelation therapies
• Registered Clinical Counselling
• Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine prescription

After completion of an undergraduate degree, students complete a 4-year graduate naturopathic medical program from 1 of the 5 accredited schools in North America. The first 2 years of medical training are similar to that which medical doctors receive. The program involves intensive study in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, pathology, pharmacology, immunology, infectious disease, minor surgery, clinical laboratory, neurology, gynecology as examples. During this time, there is extensive coursework in botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, counselling and physical therapy techniques. The last 2 years of the program involves further study of the medical sciences and naturopathic therapeutics and students are required to complete a minimum of 1500 hours of clinic practice. Upon graduation, students are required to have completed 4500 hours of coursework and clinical study. In order to be licensed in the province of British Columbia, after completion of a 4-year naturopathic medical program, each candidate must successfully pass 2 sets of national board exams on basic medical sciences, clinical medical sciences and naturopathic therapeutics.

Yes! Naturopathic Physicians, work closely with other healthcare professionals including medical doctors and specialists, chiropractors, registered massage therapists, physiotherapists and acupuncturists, among others to provide the best possible comprehensive care for patients. Crossroads Clinic includes naturopathic medicine and conventional care in the same convenient location.

Many extended healthcare plans cover all or a portion of naturopathic medicine visits and laboratory testing fees. Patients are encouraged to learn the details of their specific plan.

BCNA – The British Columbia Naturopathic Association: A source of information on the profession and practice of naturopathic medicine in the province of BC. www.bcna.ca

CAND – The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors: An information source, referral network and resource for patients and naturopathic doctors on a national level. www.naturopathicassoc.ca

CNPBC – The College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC: The licensing and regulatory body for the profession of naturopathic medicine in BC. www.cnpbc.bc.ca