1.5 hours initial consult where I ask innumerable questions pertaining to your medical history and a complaint oriented physical exam. Follow ups are 30 minutes and involves various treatment options (acupuncture, nutritional counseling, hypnosis, etc).

·        What kind of training do ND’s have?

Registered ND’s have a minimum of 7 years post-secondary, including premed and psychology. Dr. Sarah-Dash Arbuckle BA, ND, CH has 9.5 yrs and additional  training in Doula services – natural childbirth education and hypnosis/hypnotherapy.

·        Does Alberta Health care or Blue Cross cover Naturopathic care?

At this time, the government of Alberta does not cover visits to ND’s. Many extended insurance plans cover naturopathic medicine – ask yours…

·        Who does cover naturopathic care?

Most extended health care plans like Manulife, Green Shield, Sunlife, etc. do cover naturopathic services. Blue Cross is the only health care company that does not cover naturopathic services to date. Some plans may cover a small portion of your visit and others will cover all services but no products. You can also use your medical expenses to offset your income tax but that should be discussed with your accountant or book keeper.

·        What type of conditions do ND’s treat?

Conditions Include But Are Not Limited To:
Acne, ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Atherosclerosis/cholesterol, Autism, Cancer, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Colds and Flus, Constipation & Hemorrhoids, Depression, Diabetes mellitus (II), Digestion, Eczema, Fibromyalgia, Headaches/migraines, Hypothyroidism, Infertility, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syn., PMS & Menopause, Pregnancy & Natural Childbirth, Rheumatoid & Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Ulcers

·        What if I’m already being treated by my MD, will you work together?

Family physicians (MD’s) and specialists (cardiologists, dermatologists, etc.) are trained to recognize disease. They focus on diagnosing and treating disease by removing a single causative agent (e.g. antibiotics) or by providing a deficient substance (e.g. hormones) or by relieving symptoms (e.g. painkillers). ND’s frequently rely on MDs for diagnostic tools (some blood work, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.), acute emergency care, pharmaceutical prescriptions, surgery, and referrals for insurance purposes.
 
When we all work together I believe that everyone benefits. It is my hope that NDs work in tandem with alberta health care in making naturopathic medicine a natural complement to all your current care providers. NDs focus on treating the whole person and finding the root cause of your condition. I do work very well with MDs, I treat them with respect, I value their input and require that they sometimes monitor our progress as things change (eg. blood thinning programs need INR values regularly). So, yes, we will and frequently do work together.

·        How does naturopathic medicine fit into today’s health care system?

With the advent of modern sophisticated drugs, tests and medical procedures, people began to hand over responsibility for their health to their doctors. Now, with high health care costs, long waiting lists for tests, procedures, and surgeries, and people still feeling sick and tired, there is a growing interest in alternative and complementary treatment. Since NDs co-operate with other physicians and practitioners, people are starting to choose naturopathic physicians as their primary health care providers.

·        How do I find a registered ND in my area?

Yellow pages, www.cand.ca, www.naturopathic-alberta.com, or google your area. Make some phone calls and see if you find a good match.

·        Why do NDs also sell products? Is this not a conflict of interest?

It may seem so to some people. However it would be impossible to treat patients without supplying the recommended remedies, many of which can be obtained only from a licensed ND. Patients are always free to shop around and buy elsewhere if they wish. NDs have no objection to this as long as the product is the same or comparable in quality, purity, and effectiveness. Supplying remedies is a convenience to the patient.

·        What else should I know?

NM is a distinctly natural approach to health and healing that recognizes the integrity of the whole person. The practice of NM emerges from six underlying principles of healing.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Sarah-Dash Arbuckle.