Ten Reasons
to Choose Naturopathic Medicine

1. Feeling Sick and Don't Know Why

Optimum health. That's what we all strive for. Recurring persistent symptoms like low energy, insomnia, headache, digestive upsets, nervousness and pain can make us feel generally unwell. Often our doctors can't find the reason even after a host of medical tests to rule out anything serious or critical. We are sent home with no answers or solutions, only a pile of pills to ease our symptoms. And we still feel sick! That's often when we first turn to naturopathic medicine. With that decision we discover a whole new approach and method of treatment.

2. Naturopathic Medicine "Does no harm"

An oath sworn by graduating naturopathic doctors is "to first do no harm." This should go without saying, but harm occurs in the conventional medical community in alarming proportions. A report in The Globe and Mail (October 4, 2002) says "Medical mistakes are killing people, yet Canada's health care system has been looking the other way." Errors by health care workers during medical procedures and hospital stays, adverse drug reactions, incorrectly and even correctly prescribed or administered drugs and surgery mishaps account for over 250,000 deaths in the U.S. per year! Translate this figure into the Canadian population to around 28,000 deaths. The conventional medical community itself has said its medical errors are the 3rd leading cause of death in North America! (Journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 284, 26 July, 2000)
By contrast, in naturopathic medicine major surgery is not performed and prescription drugs are not used. Treatments are more natural, gentler, more easily accepted by our bodies.

3. Naturopathic Medicine Treats the Cause

Although naturopathic doctors can treat symptoms, we look for and then treat the cause of the symptoms.

4. Naturopathic Medicine Treats the Whole Person

The physical, mental and emotional aspects of one's being are interrelated. Naturopathic doctors recognize the ability of any one of them to influence, positively or negatively another. We therefore consider all of them in suggesting treatment programmes.

5. Well-Trained Doctors

A myth is that alternative treatments are hogwash and snake oil sold by quacks with no formal training. This is simply not true of licensed naturopathic doctors. Their training involves a minimum of 7 years of intensive full-time study, 2 years of clinical experience and rigorous Board examinations. Fully-trained, Board-certified naturopathic doctors use the initials, N.D. after their names.

6. Evidence-Based

Another favourite criticism is that nothing in naturopathic medicine is backed by research. In fact, there is an enormous amount of properly conducted scientific research and clinical trials in the naturopathic field. These are published in respected medical journals all over the world including the U.S. and Canada.

7. Longer, In-Depth Consultations

Naturopathic doctors take 1 to 1 ½ hours with a patient for a usual first consultation, and whatever time is needed for follow-up visits. Patients are encouraged to air all their concerns and ask all their questions. Many patients say that they have finally found a doctor who is truly listening and really cares.

8. Stop the Guessing

Health conscious Canadians spend billions each year on vitamins, herbal remedies and over the counter drugs. Their purchases are too often based on advertising, hearsay and trial and error. This is not only expensive but dangerous as many herbs and supplements can adversely interact with each other and with pharmaceutical medications. A naturopathic doctor can end the guesswork, keep you safe and save you money.

9. You Don't Have to Abondon your Conventional M.D.

N.D.'s have always been ready and willing to work with M.D.s. In the last few years, medical doctors are showing a more open-minded attitude to working with naturopathic doctors, especially if their patients insist. For example, many doctors following up surgeries are amazed at how quickly patients heal when they are on a post-surgery programme outlined by an N.D. The focus for all doctors should always be on the best possible integrated health care for the patient.

10. Lower Risks of Killer Diseases - Prevention

Prevention is central to naturopathic medicine. Heart disease, strokes and cancer are today's big killers. A lot can be done to reduce risks even when there is a genetic predisposition to a disease. Adequate nutrition (not necessarily adequate food), lifestyle counseling and stress reduction, are essential to prevention.

11. Bonus Reason ! Saves Money in the Long Run

For the individual, a first, in-depth consultation with a naturopathic doctors costs about the same as having your car detailed, or buying 2 new tires.
Looking at current and projected costs of health care in Canada, avoiding disease is always cheaper than treating it. The fewer Canadians needing hospitalizations, surgeries, hip replacements and long term care, the better financial shape we will be in.
Although Alberta Healthcare does not recognize this, most other insurance companies do. If you have an extended health plan, visits to naturopathic doctors are usually covered. Check the details and limits with your employer.

For further information, or to book a consultation, please call:
Dr. Bruce Lofting, N.D.
270-3372