Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive primary health care system that focus on improving health and healing the whole person by addressing the underlying root causes of illness, and stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself through individualized treatment.

Our bodies are very intelligent! Signs and symptoms of illness are the body’s way of warning us about deeper imbalances or improper functioning of the body. While naturopathic care can certainly alleviate the signs and symptoms, Naturopathic Doctors strive to uncover “why” the symptoms or illness is present, and remove the obstacles to healing by getting to the root of the health concern.

The naturopathic approach is uniquely distinguished by a set of "defining principles" – It is proactive, and aims to improve the foundations of health, so you can look forward to a healthier future.

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are highly trained and provincially regulated health care providers. They are trained to conduct physical examinations, order laboratory tests, and diagnose and treat medical conditions with safe and effective naturopathic therapies. As part of your health care team, NDs also work with Medical Doctors and other health care practitioners to ensure that you are receiving the best network of care.

NDs employ a wide range of natural therapies that integrate current medical science and research to provide comprehensive and personalized health solutions. They are trained to ensure that your treatment plan is safe and will not interact with your prescription medications and therapies from other health care professionals.

NDs treat a variety of acute and chronic conditions by incorporating a variety of therapeutic tools / modalities, including:

Botanical (herbal) medicine
Clinical nutrition
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
Physical medicine (hydrotherapy, exercise prescription, etc.)
Homeopathic medicine
Lifestyle counseling
Laboratory testing

Dr. Freda Tam, ND has also completed additional training in Mesotherapy (a micro-injection therapy) for pain management, and facial & body rejuvenation.

>> Please visit Naturopathic Tools & Conditions Treated for more information.

Training & Licensing

To practice in Ontario, all NDs must complete at least four years of university pre-medical studies, followed by a four-year program at an accredited naturopathic medical college (CCNM). This is where NDs receive full-time training (3,500+ hours) in western medical sciences and naturopathic treatment modalities, as well as 1,200 hours of supervised clinical experience. Upon graduation, NDs must also pass rigorous regulatory board examinations (NPLEX) that are standardized across North America, to obtain a license and qualify to practice.

To verify whether your Naturopathic Doctor is licensed and registered to practice in Ontario, please visit the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N)'s registration archive.