The Difference between Naturopathic and Medical Practitioners

Both naturopathic doctors and medical doctors are licensed physicians who help diagnose and treat health issues in patients. The main difference between the two approaches is reflected in their philosophy of treatment and in the training they receive.

What differentiates Naturopathic medicine from conventional medicine is that Naturopathic doctors are highly trained in preventive care. Naturopathic practitioners generally prescribe therapies and procedures that are designed to stimulate the body’s natural self-healing ability, whereas medical doctors tend to rely solely on prescribing synthetic pharmaceutical drugs and surgery to treat health conditions. Naturopathic doctors can prescribe pharmaceuticals if it is necessary but often there are many effective natural therapies that can be used first.

Naturopathic medicine aims to prescribe the least-toxic, least-invasive means of creating health and restoring balance to the body. Naturopathic medicine focuses on treating patients with nontoxic, natural therapies such as botanical medicine, nutrition, hormone balancing, structural adjustments, acupuncture, lifestyle modification and more.

Contact us today to book an appointment to begin your healing journey with the Yaletown Naturopathic Clinic. 604-235-8068