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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Homeopathy (see also our section on homeopathy)

Questions about Naturopathy (see also our section on naturopathy)

Questions about Osteopathy (see also our section on osteopathy)

What is the difference between Homeopathy and Naturopathy?

Naturopathic medicine is an umbrella term, a profession which integrates various methods of natural healthcare, including homeopathy, nutrition, Chinese Medicine, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, lifestyle management, etc. Some naturopathic doctors are general practitioners, incorporating many different natural healthcare approaches to a lesser or greater extent. Others specialize in one or more methods, devoting all their time to refining and perfecting their knowledge in one modality. Like Chinese Medicine, homeopathic medicine is a whole method of healthcare unto itself, with its own history and tradition, and its own definition of what is health, disease, and healing. It takes a life time of dedicated study and practice to become excellent and most effective in homeopathic medicine.

Questions about Homeopathy

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What is Homeopathy? How does it differ from traditional medicine?
Homeopathy is a sophisticated method of natural healthcare which works by harnessing our body's natural defenses, the most powerful medicinal tool we have at our disposal. It focuses on bringing the entire body back into balance, treating the patient as a whole by differentiating those symptoms which are peculiar or characteristics to the individual, instead of diagnosing and prescribing on the basis of the common expression of symptoms of a particular disorder.

The homeopathic understanding of a disease is that nothing happens in a chaotic way; a person is producing symptoms because something is wrong. And the body is producing these symptoms in a very specific order; they are thus all related to each other, expressions of a common imbalance in the system that shows itself at different parts of life through different disorders.

Therefore, unlike traditional medicine, which focuses on the symptoms, Homeopathy treats the entire person.

Conventional medicine has its place in health therapy when there is irreversible structural damage or when the manifestation of the disease has compromised an individual's health to the extent that the vital force is no longer capable of stimulating a viable curative response. But conventional medicine does not correct inherited or acquired imbalances of the autoimmune system, which, when functioning properly, protects an individual from chronic and acute diseases. By giving the patient medicines created to suppress the outcome of the disease, rather than its cause, conventional medicine in fact weakens our natural defense mechanism.
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How does Homeopathy work?
Even though Homeopathy has been in use for more than 2000 years, it was only developed as a systematic and scientific therapy of medical treatment in 1796 by the German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann having become disenchanted by conventional medical practices. Dr. Hahnemann observed that substances which produce symptoms in healthy people, cure similar symptoms in the sick, thus describing the "Law of Similars".

As a matter of fact, Homeopathy works on the basis of the principle, "like cures like". Thus, a substance that is capable of producing morbid symptoms in a healthy person has the ability to cure similar symptoms in an individual whose health has been unbalanced. By matching the individualizing symptoms within a patient to those related to a particular homeopathic substance, a homeopathic remedy stimulates the autoimmune system in order to eradicate the underlying cause of the imbalance, thus restoring health and equilibrium.

The aim of a consultation with a homeopath is to find out why your body doesn't heal itself as it should, and to identify a way to make it do it, as it was supposed to when it got exposed to stress. In fact, symptoms are the way our body reacts to stress, expressions of dormant tendencies we inherited from our ancestors. From your description of all your different symptoms, even if they seem totally unrelated to you, the homeopath draws the picture of a tree, your symptoms being all the different branches, but with a common trunk feeding all of them, the "root cause". He thus chooses a natural substance to correct this imbalance, the remedy acting like a vaccine tailor-made to boost your own resistance.
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What conditions are treated by a Homeopath?
Homeopathy is about treating the whole person, any person, and not just the condition. Thus, anyone can come and see a homeopath, be it men, women, from any age group, or with any condition.

From the foundation of homeopathy, there is only one disease per person. And this disease has been there for a while; it is called a constitutional disease. And if it's not stopped, it's going to grow to something else, and something else, etc. If you are only treating the symptoms, you are constantly chasing the disease. But once your practitioner has identified the root cause of the disease, and has treated it, then not only you get rid of what is happening now, you also eliminate all that has been happening in the past, as well as things that will happen in the future. So Homeopathy is prevention, it is cure of today, but it also is cure of something that shouldn't have happened 150 years ago.

What types of remedies are used in Homeopathy?
Homeopathic remedies are made from pretty much everything that exists on earth, including plants, minerals, metals, or animals. Everything has a healing property. There are over 3000 homeopathic medicines to choose from; when used correctly, homeopathic medicines can help you heal yourself, with no harmful side effects.
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Is there any risk to Homeopathy? How can I be comfortable that it will help me and not harm me?
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic and devoid of any side effects. The very nature of homeopathic remedies is integrated, working harmoniously and directly on the vital force instead of merely on the physiological body. Consequently, they are safe, gentle and efficacious. Homeopathy has been designed to analyze each case individually, and suggest the most appropriate remedy and dosage on the basis of an individual's particular symptoms, instead of by the name of a disease or disorder. The recommended dosages have been clinically proven safe and effective.

The simplest way to look at homeopathic remedies is as energetic medicines.

Even though you cannot have a side effect reaction to a homeopathic remedy, you can have a strong reaction to it, which can be seen as a healing crisis. As a matter of fact, healing means that your body is trying to correct itself. By taking a homeopathic remedy, you are trying to help it achieve this, giving it a substance that mimics your symptoms better. For a day or two, those symptoms might get worse, but after this healing crisis you will be feeling much better.

Some conventional drugs may interfere with the curative power of the homeopathic medicines; yet there is no possibility of a homeopathic medicine interfering with the action of a conventional drug. The necessity for conventional medicines is sometimes reduced or even eliminated as a result of the homeopathic treatment. In many instances a homeopathic remedy will be able augment or speed up the recovery process. In most situations the action of a homeopathic medicine eliminates the need of conventional drugs because the homeopathic medicines are able to work quickly and thoroughly, and without any side effects.
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How popular is Homeopathy worldwide?
Conventional practices in any field or discipline are often prejudiced against innovation or change. The greatest discoveries in human history, i.e. the earth revolves around the sun and is not the centre of the universe, or that the earth is round, were treated initially with great skepticism and disbelief. The same is the case with homeopathy, which is now beginning to revolutionize traditional and conventional beliefs regarding the relationship between health, disease and cure. Recent studies suggest that homeopathy is much more than just an alternative system of medicine, and is now the preferred method of therapy for more than 650 million people worldwide, and is daily drawing more individuals, of all ages and from all walks of life, who have become dissatisfied with conventional medicine and therapy. In the United States the sales of homeopathic medicines have grown at a rate of 10-20% per year over the last ten years.

Homeopathy has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, The Red Cross, The National Institutes of Health (NIH - USA), National Centre for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, International Medical Volunteers Association, which have setup numerous public homeopathic clinics and projects all over the world. In Britain, France, The Netherlands, Norway, and Greece, homeopathy has been incorporated into their respective national healthcare systems. In Asia, especially India, government councils for the regulation and administration of homeopathy have been in effect for the last 75 years. All over the globe, homeopathy is rapidly gaining recognition as a major force in health care. This is evidenced by the numerous societies and national fellowships for homeopathy currently flourishing (The European & International Councils for Homeopathy, European Committee for Homeopathy, Liga Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis - LMHI, Homeopathes Sans Frontieres - France, The Asian Homeopathic Medical League, The Homeopathic Doctor Without Barriers - International, Comision Latinoamericana de Farmicias Homeopaticas, North American Society of Homeopathy - NASH), as well as a vast increase in educational institutes and colleges to meet the growing demands for homeopathic medicine.
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Is Homeopathy covered by employment health insurance plans?
Many employers, such as the federal and provincial governments and the high tech industry have coverage, as well as third party insurance companies. Check with your employer to determine what kind of coverage you have.

How can I make the most out of my Homeopathic care?
Homeopathic medicine is not a substitute for a healthy life-style. On the contrary, homeopathy works best in conjunction with balanced eating and exercise habits. None the less, improved health through homeopathy often results in greater vitality and awareness, enhancing motivation towards a better life style.
Your guidance is essential in helping your homeopath help you. Remember, your life story is important to understanding your unique coping style. It holds the key to understanding how your disease evolved, shedding light on the profound mystery of how your natural defenses work.
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Questions about Naturopathy

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What kind of training does a naturopathic doctor receive?
The training of a naturopathic doctor is rigorous, and involves a minimum of seven years postsecondary training, requiring a Bachelor of Science degree and the four years of naturopathic medical school. The first two years of naturopathic medical school are exactly the same as for conventional medical doctors as we all complete courses in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and immunology, pathology, and clinical and physical diagnosis. Additional classes focus on natural treatments and therapies that remove obstacles to cure, as well as clinical hours under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors. Prior to becoming licensed in the province of Ontario, naturopathic doctors have to pass a series of comprehensive clinical board examinations.
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Who goes to see a naturopathic doctor (N.D.)?
People of all ages and walks of life visit naturopathic doctors. They may come in with an acute or chronic condition, or may be healthy and want to focus on prevention in order to optimize their health. Naturopathic doctors address the entire body, looking at the underlying cause of disease, looking at the entire person - the physical, emotional, and mental components of each person.
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What conditions are treated by a naturopathic doctor?
Most acute and chronic diseases can be treated by your naturopathic doctor, ranging from colds to cancer. Treatments are tailor-made for each person, as we recognize the inherent individuality of each patient. The first visit typically takes an hour and a half, whereby a detailed medical history is taken, as well as a relevant physical examination. Depending on the nature of one's health condition, lab tests may be ordered, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and salivary hormone testing.
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What types of natural medicines are used?
A variety of natural medicines are used by Naturopathic Doctors, ranging from herbal and nutritional supplementation to acupuncture, homeopathy, lifestyle counselling, and physical treatments like the Bowen technique.
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What is the Bowen technique?
The Bowen technique is a physical treatment that involves a gentle rolling motion over muscles, tendons, and ligaments that fast tracks healing and releases energy flow. The technique can be effectively and safely used on infants to the elderly to address primarily musculo-skeletal conditions, such as low back pain as a result of injury, motor vehicle accidents, and repetitive stress. Other conditions that can be helped with the Bowen technique include: neck pain, a variety of shoulder and elbow conditions, tempero-manidibular joint disorder, sprained ankles and bunions, as well as respiratory, digestive, and immunological conditions.
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Is Naturopathy covered by employment health insurance plans?
Many employers, such as the federal and provincial governments and the high tech industry have coverage, as well as third party insurance companies. Check with your employer to determine what kind of coverage you have.
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Do Naturopathic Doctors work with other health care practitioners?
Yes, your naturopathic doctor works with the rest of your health care team, which may include a combination of practitioners such as: medical doctors, homeopaths, osteopathic doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, optometrists, and massage therapists.
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Questions about Osteopathy

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What can I expect when I visit an osteopath?
When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. He will then use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, and muscle testing, called Applied Kinesiology (AK) to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. He may need additional investigations such as x-ray or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed for you.
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How many treatments will I need?
Osteopathy is patient centred, which means treatment is geared to you as an individual. An osteopath will give you an indication after your first visit. For some acute pain one or two treatments may be all that is necessary, while others such as slipped disc can be between 6 and 10 visits.
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Do I need a referral from my physician?
A formal referral from your GP is not necessary; the majority of osteopathic patients self-refer.
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How does osteopathy work?
Osteopaths work with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques which allow the body to return to efficient normal function. These may include soft tissue techniques, rhythmic passive joint mobilisation or the high velocity thrust techniques designed to improve mobility and the range of movement of a joint. Gentle release techniques can also be used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients.
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How can I be sure I am in safe hands when visiting an osteopath?
At present osteopathy is not a government regulated profession in Ontario. The Ontario Association of Osteopaths, seeks to promote the profession and is working with the Ontario government to have it regulated under law.
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What acute conditions can osteopathy help?
Jaw problems, Lower back pain, Ligament strains and tears, Muscular strains and tears, Neck pain, Repetitive strain injuries, Sciatica, Slipped Disc, Sports Injuries, Tendonitis, Trapped nerves, Whiplash.
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Can osteopathy help with chronic pain problems?
Chronic pain problems are those conditions that someone has suffered with over a number of months or years. Using solely osteopathy to treat such problems you may achieve a manageable level of relief that require regular treatments (e.g. once a month) to maintain.
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Can an osteopath help with chronic problems?
Yes, an osteopath can treat people with chronic problems by just massaging and manipulating joints and muscles is not enough to ensure long term relief; in fact over manipulating someone's joints can cause long term damage. The answer is to look at the cause rather than the symptoms of chronic aches and pains. Aches and pains are your body's way of telling you that it is in distress, similar to a hazard light flashing on your car's dash board. Your body's defence mechanism or immune system is over loaded with stresses which can be put into the following categories:

Physical Stresses: over exercising, repetitive movements (e.g. typing), sitting and or standing incorrectly over long period.

Physiological Stresses: Smoking, Alcohol, Processed food, Caffeine, Pesticides, Food additives, Colours and Preservatives, Chemicals in personal care products, Chlorinated water, Fluoride, Meats containing Antibiotics and Hormones, Food intolerances, etc.

Emotional Stresses: Demanding Job, Difficult home life, Financial worries Wrong relationship.
By identifying and lessening or removing the main stresses on your body (as highlighted above), and strengthening your immune system you can be well along the way to achieving long term relief from your symptoms.. When developing a longer term treatment plan an osteopath may include different elements of Bach Flower Therapy, Homeopathy, Lifestyle Advice, Magnetic Therapy, Massage, NAET Allergy Testing and Treatment, Naturopathy, Nutritional Therapy, and Osteopathy.
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What chronic pain conditions can an osteopath help?
Arthritic joints, Back pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Frozen Shoulder, Headaches, Lumbago, Migraines, Neck pain, Post operative chronic pain, Repetitive strain syndrome, Spondylosis, Spondylolithesis, Tennis and golfers elbow.
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