Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that combines natural therapies with scientific evidence-based medicine.  The naturopathic philosophy is to identify encourage the underlying cause of disease and the body to heal itself.  Naturopathic doctors (ND) aim to educate and support their patients to achieve their individual health goals.

Naturopathic medicine addresses both acute and chronic illness through individualized treatment.  NDs consider the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state of the patient when designing their treatment plan.  Natural therapies include clinical nutrition and lifestyle counselling, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and hydrotherapy.  Naturopathic medicine can complement conventional medical treatments or be used effectively on its own.

NDs undergo rigorous medical training consisting of four years of post-graduate education, graduation from one of six accredited North American naturopathic colleges and two sets of international licensing examinations.