What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary health care. This means that as Naturopathic Doctors we are trained to prevent and treat all types of acute and chronic illnesses. Our patients come to see us, as they might see their "family medical doctor" for assistance with support for conditions from the common cold to fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue to diabetes or heart disease. We often work as an alternative to conventional medicine if a patient chooses to have a more natural type of intervention for their treatment - for instance the use of vitamins, herbs and/ or diet as opposed to pharmaceutical medications.
More commonly, however, we work in complement with conventional medicine - working together with other health care providers such as family medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists and many others to best support our patients to optimal health and wellness.
More commonly, however, we work in complement with conventional medicine - working together with other health care providers such as family medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists and many others to best support our patients to optimal health and wellness.
Who might benefit from seeing a Naturopathic Doctor?
People often ask me what are the most common conditions I might see or treat. The answer is "all kinds". The bulk of my patients (perhaps 50%) are comprised of individuals who may not have a diagnosed disease and their lab tests may show they are "perfectly healthy", however they are experiencing what I call "sub-optimal wellness". They might have concerns with their energy levels, pain, inflammation, mood. They report that though they seem to be "healthy" by all medical definitions (no problems with iron levels or thyroid), that they just don't feel "right". They might experience difficulty losing weight, have chronic pain, low energy, sleep disturbances, low grade anxiety or depression. These types of patients are really those for whom Naturopathic Medicine can bring about the most profound changes as we believe in treating the whole person and optimizing health to help you thrive, rather than simply survive.
Of course we do see patients that already have a label or diagnosis - perhaps diabetes, cancer, heart disease - and they are looking to either find some alternative solutions to the medications that are generally prescribed and may be willing to focus on diet and lifestyle factors in treating their illness; or they may want our assistance in complementing the care they are already receiving. This is common in the case of side effects that are as a result of medication or chemotherapy whereby Naturopathic Medicine can serve as a great tool minimize side effects. Naturopathic Medicine also is useful to support other aspects of a person's well-being in the face of conventional therapy - for instance if someone is on medications for blood pressure, Naturopathic Doctors may support this person to work on the underlying causes of their condition through
implementation of a healthy diet program, by focusing on stress management or assisting with other factors that might be contributing to the hypertension. Attempting to find and address the root cause of illness is one of the main tenants in Naturopathic Medicine.
Of course we do see patients that already have a label or diagnosis - perhaps diabetes, cancer, heart disease - and they are looking to either find some alternative solutions to the medications that are generally prescribed and may be willing to focus on diet and lifestyle factors in treating their illness; or they may want our assistance in complementing the care they are already receiving. This is common in the case of side effects that are as a result of medication or chemotherapy whereby Naturopathic Medicine can serve as a great tool minimize side effects. Naturopathic Medicine also is useful to support other aspects of a person's well-being in the face of conventional therapy - for instance if someone is on medications for blood pressure, Naturopathic Doctors may support this person to work on the underlying causes of their condition through
implementation of a healthy diet program, by focusing on stress management or assisting with other factors that might be contributing to the hypertension. Attempting to find and address the root cause of illness is one of the main tenants in Naturopathic Medicine.
How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?
People are often concerned that there is no evidence to support Naturopathic Medicine, however our treatment methods are heavily researched bases and these traditional tools (diet, herbs, supplements, counseling, exercise) have the
backing of modern science. We spend four years of professional postgraduate study at a fully accredited Naturopathic
College. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredits Naturopathic medical education institutions and these schools are then eligible for membership in the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).
There are two such colleges in Canada: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, Ontario and The Boucher Institute for Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in Vancouver, BC.
During the first two years of study at any of the colleges, our curriculum focuses on basic and clinical sciences, including:Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Histology, Anatomy, Macro- and Microbiology, Immunology, Human Pathology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology.
The final two years of our medical program include more advanced training in our therapeutic modalities as well as a full year of supervised residency training. These therapeutic modalities include: Nutrition, Botanical (herbal) medicine, Physical medicine (massage therapy, naturopathic manipulation, hydrotherapy), Homeopathy, Emergency Medicine, Acupuncture and Traditional Asian Medicine, Psychology/ Counselling, Pharmacology and Minor Surgery.
Upon graduation from naturopathic medical schools we must pass the comprehensive naturopathic physicians licensing examinations (NPLEX) and also satisfy all licensing requirements for the individual state or province in which we plan to practice to be licensed as Naturopathic Doctors.
We learn to treat all aspects of family health and wellness, from pediatrics to geriatrics. We tailor our therapies to meet the individual needs of each patient, factoring in physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects before prescribing a course of treatment.
backing of modern science. We spend four years of professional postgraduate study at a fully accredited Naturopathic
College. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredits Naturopathic medical education institutions and these schools are then eligible for membership in the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).
There are two such colleges in Canada: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, Ontario and The Boucher Institute for Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in Vancouver, BC.
During the first two years of study at any of the colleges, our curriculum focuses on basic and clinical sciences, including:Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Histology, Anatomy, Macro- and Microbiology, Immunology, Human Pathology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology.
The final two years of our medical program include more advanced training in our therapeutic modalities as well as a full year of supervised residency training. These therapeutic modalities include: Nutrition, Botanical (herbal) medicine, Physical medicine (massage therapy, naturopathic manipulation, hydrotherapy), Homeopathy, Emergency Medicine, Acupuncture and Traditional Asian Medicine, Psychology/ Counselling, Pharmacology and Minor Surgery.
Upon graduation from naturopathic medical schools we must pass the comprehensive naturopathic physicians licensing examinations (NPLEX) and also satisfy all licensing requirements for the individual state or province in which we plan to practice to be licensed as Naturopathic Doctors.
We learn to treat all aspects of family health and wellness, from pediatrics to geriatrics. We tailor our therapies to meet the individual needs of each patient, factoring in physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects before prescribing a course of treatment.
Licensed Naturopathic Doctors are Covered
Before booking an appointment with a “Doctor of Natural Medicine” ensure they have attended a fully CNME accredited full time Naturopathic Educational program and have written and passed the NPLEX licensing examinations and are licensed within the province of Saskatchewan with the SANP.
Naturopathic care that is provided by a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and, in the province of Saskatchewan is registered with the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners is covered under most extended health insurance plans.
Check with your provider today.
Naturopathic care that is provided by a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and, in the province of Saskatchewan is registered with the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners is covered under most extended health insurance plans.
Check with your provider today.
Naturopathic Medicine in Regina, Saskatchewan
Dr. Julie Zepp Rutledge N.D.
Prairie Sky Integrative Health
2146 Robinson Street ~ Regina, Saskatchewan ~ S4T 2P7
p. (306) 757-HEAL [4325]
f. (306) 522-0745
Prairie Sky Integrative Health
2146 Robinson Street ~ Regina, Saskatchewan ~ S4T 2P7
p. (306) 757-HEAL [4325]
f. (306) 522-0745