Frequently Asked Questions

The 6 principles of naturopathic medicine: Do no harm; the healing power of nature; identify and treat the cause; physician as teacher; treat the whole person; and prevention.

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine supports and assists the body’s natural ability to heal by using evidence-based natural therapies and treatments.

Naturopathic assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the individual patient are accomplished by integrating modern and traditional care which includes clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. All therapeutic options are considered and applied to help regulate the process of disease over time rather than temporarily suppress it.

Naturopathic medicine is informed by research, clinical experience, and the individual patient’s unique health situation and health/medical preferences. Health promotion and disease prevention are particular focuses of naturopathic medicine.

What education and training do naturopathic doctors have?

Naturopathic medicine is a regulated health profession in several Canadian provinces, including Ontario. Regulated naturopathic doctors have completed at least eight years of post-secondary education, followed by two rigorous entry-to-practice North American licensing exams (NPLEX) and provincial licensing board exams.

In Ontario, naturopathic doctors are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), which requires them to maintain standards of care, standards of charting, and remain current through continuing education.

For more information on Dr. Vanier ND's education, click here.

What should I expect in the initial and subsequent appointments?

Unlike most conventional medical appointments, the initial visit involves 1 hour of getting to know you, gathering information, education, physical examinations, treatments, and health recommendations or prescriptions.

Pre-visit:  

Before your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a patient intake and consent form. This form gathers information about your current and past state of health, daily health behaviours, and health goals. This form is confidential and will be reviewed only by your naturopathic doctor.

During the first initial assessment: 

We will discuss your chief complaints, past medical history, family medical history, and health goals and expectations in detail. As there are many factors that can impact a person's health, there are many different areas that are covered during visits. Physical exams may also be performed, when indicated. The following topics are typically discussed in an initial visit: 

  • Medical history

  • Family history

  • Social history and environment

  • Work environment

  • Allergies and sensitivities

  • Nutrition

  • Current drugs and supplements

  • Sleep

  • Digestion

  • Stress

  • Movement and exercise

Appointments:

In our experience, patients are better supported and more successful when their first three appointments are close together, so we’ll see you 3 times in the next 3 months to create solutions over this 12-week timeframe.

Following this 12-week timeframe, appointments are typically spread out based on the patient’s progress and complexity of chief complaints. The goal of follow-up appointments is to implement, manage, and maintain incremental changes in your life, which eventually lead to big changes and results.