How to find the best Naturopath for Your Condition

Naturopathic medicine is growing at a very fast pace. Choosing the best naturopath for you can be a very challenging decision!

We’ve put together this list to help you select the best naturopathic doctor for your needs. There are quite a variety of treatment methods and styles between different naturopaths so it’s good to do your research first so you’ll make the right decision. Considering that you’re going to be spending around 2 hours with your new naturopath for the first visit, and trusting them with one of the most precious things in life – your health – it’s a good idea to determine first if a practitioner is a good fit for you.

Here are some things you should consider

Is the naturopath licensed to practice medicine in the province or state where you live?

Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) are subject to strict guidelines and regulations, ensuring safety. Licensed naturopathic doctors have completed a minimum of 7 years of postsecondary education and also must complete continuing education courses to stay on top of the latest developments in naturopathic medicine.

Where did they go to school?

There are only 7 accredited naturopathic colleges in the world. One of these includes CCNM, which many Canadian naturopaths have graduated from.

What is their unique practice style and what kinds of treatments do they use?

Does your naturopath have any blogs or articles you can read, so you can get to know the doctor’s approach before you come in? This can give you a general idea about their practice style, the types of treatments they use, and their general knowledge.

Do they incorporate sufficient evidence and research?

Is your naturopath evidence-based in practice? Do they use research-based treatments? Given that there are so many different types of treatments available in natural medicine, this can be a very important question to ask. There are thousands of studies on natural products and it is important to be able to navigate these. Does your naturopath have a science undergraduate degree or a strong aptitude for research so that he or she is able to find the newest information to apply to your case?

Personality

Is your naturopath approachable and accessible? Do they seem friendly? Do you “jive” with their personality? You can ask for a quick email response or phone conversation to test out and see if you feel like the naturopath would work well with you!

Experience and special interests

What is your naturopath’s area of special interest or experience treating cases similar to yours?

Many naturopaths focus on treating specific disorders. So, it’s important to ask what experience they’ve had with a condition such as yours. You can ask for examples of similar cases, or see if they have any special training or extra credentials or associations in the specific area you want to focus on.

Integrity

Are the fees clear and outlined to you right from the start? Are lab tests prescribed as needed on an individual basis? Does the naturopath have a good reputation, and are they members of professional associations? In Canada, the two main professional associations are Naturopathic Doctors Ontario and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

We hope that this guide will help you to choose the best naturopath for your unique health needs. Finding the right naturopath will help you to embark on a lifetime relationship that can solve existing health problems, boost overall health and vitality, and prevent disease.

How to Find the Best Naturopath for You