Naturopath

Naturopathic doctors often combine different therapies such as massage, herbal medicine, and/or diet to help the body heal itself and stay well.

Tips & Links

• A naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a graduate-level naturopathic medical school. An ND studies basic sciences along with alternative approaches to therapy, such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, and bodywork and is licensed by the College of Complimentary Health Professionals in BC (CCHPBC).
• In BC, naturopaths with the proper certifications, can prescribe medications and perform minor surgeries that do not involve the use of anesthesia or respiratory assistance. In addition, they can order lab work and refer to a medical physician or specialist when needed.
• Learn more about Naturopathy at Healthlink BC.
• Keep an up-to-date list of all health care professionals you are seeing in My People in your Mywell Health planner. Ensure your physician or nurse practitioner is aware of this list, the treatments offered to you, and the results.
• Learn about what medications are covered or not by Fair PharmaCare. You can ask your naturopath if the drug or supplements being prescribed are covered.
• Be aware that supplements can interact with your medications and in some cases, these interactions can make your medications less effective or even harmful to your health.
• Learn how herbs, supplements and vitamins work and can all interact with each other from Healthlink BC.
• Review your complete medication list every year with your pharmacist, physician, or nurse practitioner, including all over the counter drugs, supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
• Include all substances you take and the amount in your medication list on your health profile. Remember, you are the only one that knows all the substances you are taking.
• Know that not all licensed naturopath doctor’s services are covered by your medical services plan (MSP). In some cases, government supplementary benefits may be available to you. Also, private extended health care benefits may provide coverage or it is fee for service and you are required to pay at the time of the treatment.
• Keep your Mywell Health planner medication list up to date in both digital and print formats.

Tools – Handouts & Videos