Here Dr. Nardini, ND answers some of the most common frequently asked questions about naturopathy. Please contact Dr. Nardini if you have any further questions, or take advantage of his FREE 15 minute, personal one-on-one Q&A session to find out more about how naturopathy can help you with some of your health concerns.
| Q: | What’s the difference between a naturopathic doctor vs. medical doctor? |
| A: | Well, let’s talk about what we have in common first.We both have spent a great deal of time mastering our respective fields of medicine, and we both want to help our patients improve their health. The difference is in how we approach the field of health.A medical doctor or “allopathic doctor” relies much more heavily on pharmaceutical drugs and invasive treatments like surgery to treat health issues. There are times when such treatments are necessary, especially in the case of severe physical trauma, but for the most part the naturopathic approach relies more on educating the patient on how they can take care of their own health naturally, taking diet, lifestyle, environment, and other factors into account with more emphasis.The relationship with your naturopathic doctor is more personal than the one with your medical doctor. That’s because one of naturopathy’s primary tenets is that each patient is unique and has unique needs. So rather than treating symptoms, a naturopathic doctor will discover what causes those symptoms in the first place. |
| Q: | How often will I need to see a naturopathic doctor? |
| A: | How often you need to come in for an appointment depends on many different factors. Because every patient is unique, it’s very difficult to put together a set treatment schedule. But as a general rule, visits are more frequent at first, and become less so as your health improves. |
| Q: | How do I book an appointment? |
| A: | You can contact Dr. Nardini to book an appointment through the contact page |
| Q: | Is naturopathic medicine cost effective? |
| A: | Because naturopathic medicine goes a long way toward helping prevent long-term chronic illnesses, it’s incredibly cost effective. For more information on fees, take a look at our service fees page. |
| Q: | Is naturopathic medicine scientific? |
| A: | Yes. Naturopathic doctors use some of the same methods medical doctors do to detect illnesses, including blood and urine tests. And naturopathic treatments, especially those based around nutrition, are supported by peer-reviewed research. |
| Q: | How long does it take before I see results from naturopathic treatment? |
| A: | The answer to this question depends on the health issues you’re facing. If you’re dealing with particularly problematic symptoms, a naturopath may prescribe a treatment to help deal with them, but the primary focus is always on getting rid of the root cause of your symptoms.Because it deals with a larger problem, the treatment can sometimes take longer, but naturopathic treatment is done with the idea of healing your health issues permanently, so they don’t come back! |
| Q: | Why is Dr. Nardini so interested in thyroid health and thyroid conditions? |
| A: | Dr. Nardini’s interest in thyroid health began with his personal and family history of thyroid imbalance.He found that, over time, thyroid disorders were increasingly more common among his patients. He wanted to be better able to diagnose and treat those with thyroid problems. So, in 2006, he decided to receive additional training with Dr. Denis Wilson to learn about Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome. Today, Pat Nardini treats patients with a variety of thyroid-related health issues. |
| Q: | So what is a naturopath? And what is naturopathic medicine anyway? |
| A: | That’s a big question. So big, in fact, it has its own entire page just to answer it! |
| Q: | What sort of illnesses can a naturopathic doctor help me with? |
| A: | Naturopathy focuses on achieving a state of optimum body health, so it becomes difficult for any disease or illness to take hold. Because of this, naturopathic medicine can help with most types of illnesses and health related issues. |
| Q: | What type of treatments do naturopathic doctors use? |
| A: | Naturopathic doctors use a wide range of modalities, depending on the situation. For more information on those, check out our services page. |
| Q: | I’m taking some medication right now. Can I still use naturopathic medicine? |
| A: | Though we don’t prescribe them, naturopathic doctors are knowledgeable about pharmaceutical medicine, and understand how they will react with any naturopathic treatment.It’s important to let your naturopath know if you are taking any medication though, so they can tailor your treatment accordingly. This way, only therapies which are compatible with the medication you’re taking will be used. |
| Q: | If I begin seeing a naturopathic doctor, do I have to stop seeing my medical doctor? |
| A: | Absolutely not! In fact, many patients use a combination of medical and naturopathic treatments. |
| Q: | Does acupuncture hurt? |
| A: | Many people who are new to acupuncture wonder about this. It’s understandable; needles can be scary! One of the most surprising things most people find about acupuncture, though, is just how little it does hurt.A small number of people report very mild discomfort, but once you move past your apprehension, it can be very relaxing and enjoyable! |
| Q: | Isn’t this stuff all just mind over matter though? Is this just one big placebo, or does naturopathic medicine actually do something? |
| A: | This is an unfortunate misconception naturopathic medicine has. Having a positive, open mind helps with any experience to be sure, but naturopathic medicine is based on real, proven scientific experimentation and evidence.Whether you believe in it or not, naturopathic medicine can help you! |
| Q: | Are there any requirements to be accredited as an ND, or can anyone claim to be one? |
| A: | In Ontario, ND’s are strictly regulated by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy. Only those who meet their requirements are legally allowed to call themselves a naturopathic doctor. |
| Q: | Is naturopathic medicine covered under OHIP? |
| A: | Currently, no. Many private health insurance providers, however, offer partial or full coverage for naturopathic treatments. Consult with your health insurance provider for more information. |
| Q: | How old is naturopathic medicine? |
| A: | Naturopathic medicine has been around in its present form since the 1970’s. However, many of the methods of treatment naturopaths use are based on ancient methods which are difficult to put a specific date on. |
| Q: | What’s the difference between homeopathy and naturopathy? Are they the same thing? |
| A: | They’re related, but different. Homeopathy is just one of the tools in the belt of a naturopathic doctor. |
| Q: | What are homeopathic remedies made of? |
| A: | Homeopathic remedies are derived from plants, minerals, and occasionally animal substances. Most of the time, though, they are made from plants. The ingredient is diluted with either water or alcohol, or mixed with a sugar pill. |
| Q: | What’s clinical nutrition about? Can’t I just eat more vegetables and fewer cheeseburgers? |
| A: | Well, no, not really. Although it’s probably best to avoid those cheeseburgers, clinical nutrition goes a little more in depth than that. It can help you discover the nutrients your body is lacking, and what foods your body is sensitive to, among other things. |
| Q: | Can I become a naturopath? |
| A: | Yes, if you have the necessary credentials. For more information on training to become a naturopath, check out the website for the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. |