Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I visit a Naturopathic Doctor?

The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors which impact on his/her health. The ND will take an in-depth patient history. In addition, the information from the physical exam and various other laboratory tests will assist in making an assessment and diagnosis. A personal treatment plan then will be proposed to help facilitate your healing process.

What range of conditions does a Naturopathic Doctor treat?

A Naturopath can offer treatment on most conditions. Recall that a Naturopath's area of expertise lies with the treatment of disease from a natural and integrated perspective. The medicines used are naturally derived and support the body's intrinsic healing process. A Naturopath will typically examine many aspects of a person's health before recommending a course of treatment.

What conditions are not suitable for treatment by a Naturopathic Doctor?

All emergencies should report to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

How is a Naturopath Trained?

Naturopathic medical schools are four-year post-graduate degree programs recognized by the department of health as accredited institutions that grant the doctoral degree of Naturopathic medicine.  A naturopath takes the same basic medical sciences as an MD, the difference being they specialize in natural medicine.   Some of the modalities an ND uses are vitamins, supplements, homeopathic medicine, acupuncture, bowen therapy, nutrition, lifestyle councelling.  Naturopathic doctors have access to regular lab work as well as specialty test ie. Allergy tests, hormone panels etc. 

Graduates of the four accredited Naturopathic medical colleges in North America must pass numerous Board Exams to receive their license of Naturopathic Medicine and/or acupuncture.  The doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine are board certified and licensed in the province for Manitoba.

What training is required to become a Board certified Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic Physicians require a four-year post-graduate degree with a board certification and licensing process. Training is offered at: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine www.ccnm.edu in Toronto, Ontario; National College of Naturopathic Medicine www.ncnm.edu in Portland, Oregon; Bastyr University www.bastyr.edu in Seattle, Washington; Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine www.scnm.edu in Tempe, Arizona; and the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine www.bridgeport.edu in Bridgeport, CT.

What training is required to become licensed in Chinese Medicine?

To practice classical Chinese medicine at the Centre for Natural Medicine, practitioners require the highest level of accreditation (graduation from a three year accredited program with board certification by NCCAOM). Practitioners must be accredited in sterile needle techniques. Dr. Sims graduated from the 3-year classical chinese medicine program at NCNM and is board certified by the NCCAOM in both acupuncture and chinese medicine.

Do Naturopathic physicians use live blood cell analysis to diagnose disease?

No. The diagnosis of disease typically comes from relevant lab testing and assessment of patient's symptoms.

What is the difference between a Naturopath and a Homeopath?

Homeopathic practitioners are trained to use homeopathic medicine. Naturopathic Physicians use homeopathic medicine as well, but not exclusively. Under the umbrella of naturopathic modalities are also botanical (herbal) medicine, clinical nutrition, lifestyle analysis, physical medicine and hydrotherapy. Naturopathy is a licensed medical profession.

What type of medicine is a Naturopathic Doctor trained to use?

Botanical medicine (plant medicine)
Homeopathy
Clinical nutrition
Lifestyle analysis
IV Therapy
Bowen Therapy
Hydrotherapy

Chinese Medicine uses:
Acupuncture
Chinese botanical medicine

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by insurance?

The Manitoba Health Services commission at present does not cover naturopathic services in Manitoba. A wide variety of private insurance health plans cover a large portion of naturopathic visits and treatments including: Blue Cross extended, Manulife, Sunlife, etc. Check with your broker for more information. Patients are encouraged to request that their policy include coverage of all naturopathic services.

Does a Naturopath use lab tests?

A Naturopathic physician uses not only typical conventional lab tests, but also a variety of specialized tests to help diagnose and treat disease. (Specialized testing includes blood, urine, stool and saliva tests).

Does the Centre for Natural Medicine work with other health care practitioners?

Part of the mission statement for the Centre for Natural Medicine is to work cooperatively with other health care practitioners. This policy respects the patient's health care choices and encourages the individual to benefit from other areas of expertise.

Do Naturopathic Physicians belong to a professional association?

Yes, all licensed Naturopathic Physicians in the province of Manitoba are required to be members of the Manitoba Naturopathic Association and the Canadian Naturopathic Association.

Manitoba Naturopathic Association
(204)947-0381

Canadian Naturopathic Association www.naturopathicassoc.ca

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians www.naturopathic.org

Centre for Natural Medicine 1218 Lorette Ave (1/2 block North of Grant and Nathaniel)