Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary healthcare profession that focuses on treating the underlying cause of disease and illness through supporting the body’s self-healing capabilities. Treatment plans encompass a blend of modern scientific research and traditional forms of healing that are individualized to reach each patient’s health goals. Naturopathic medicine plays an important role in integrative health care, and treatments can be used on their own or together with conventional medicine. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained to integrate standard laboratory testing and findings on physical examination with a broad range of natural therapies. At Juniper Family Health, our doctors will take the time to provide thorough assessments and comprehensive health guidance, in a caring and compassionate environment.
Treatments Offered by Naturopathic Doctors:
At Juniper Family Health, our naturopathic doctors can recommend a wide range of natural medicines, and can also prescribe pharmaceutical medications when required.
Clinical Nutrition: Therapeutic diets and nutritional supplementation are used to treat underlying nutritional deficiencies, support body systems, and prevent or in some cases reverse progression of disease.
Botanical Medicine: Herbal medicines including capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas and topical preparations are used to restore health. Click here to learn about herbal compounding.
Lifestyle Counselling: Diet, exercise, sleep and stress management are addressed to promote sustainable health and longevity.
Bioidentical Hormones: Structurally identical to hormones produced naturally by the human body.
Prescription Medicines: In 2010, the BC government granted NDs prescriptive drug rights; pharmaceutical medication is prescribed when needed.
Acupuncture: Specific acupuncture points are selected to help re-establish balance in the body. Click here to learn more.
Allergy Desensitization (Sublingual Immunotherapy): A small dose of allergen solution is taken under the tongue in a series of treatments to improve allergic symptoms by reducing the body’s sensitivity to the allergen.
Injection Therapies: Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) injections of high dose vitamins and minerals are used to treat nutritional deficiencies, improve energy, and support immune function.
Laboratory Testing Offered by Naturopathic Doctors:
At Juniper Family Health, our doctors offer a variety of laboratory services to help ensure that your visit and treatment plan are as comprehensive as possible.
Food allergy & sensitivity testing
Environmental allergy skin prick testing
Female and male hormone analysis
Adrenal stress hormone analysis
Comprehensive thyroid testing
Celiac disease testing
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) testing
Lactose intolerance testing
Comprehensive digestive stool analysis
Blood sugar testing
Cardiovascular screening
Pregnancy tests
Urine analysis
Nutritional deficiency testing
Regular annual screening panels
PAP testing
Training and Regulation of Naturopathic Doctors:
In British Columbia, naturopathic physicians are licensed and regulated by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC). For licensure, naturopathic doctors must complete a university undergraduate degree followed by a four-year naturopathic medical program. NDs also complete 1500 hours of clinical training in addition to coursework, and must pass board exams in order to be licensed in the province.
Does Insurance Cover Naturopathic Care?
Most extended health care plans cover naturopathic services, usually between $200-$500 per year. The provincial MSP plan does not currently cover naturopathic care, except limited coverage for individuals on Premium Assistance.