NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic Medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.
Naturopathic Medicine was brought to the United States from Germany in the 1800s, but some of its treatments are centuries old. Today, it combines traditional treatments with modern science.
Meet Dr. Rhiannon Burkitt!
Dr. Rhiannon Burkitt completed a four-year Honours Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology from McMaster University. Her passion for health, natural remedies, education, and a holistic approach to the human body led her to naturopathic medicine. She went on to complete an additional four-year post-graduate education at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine — incorporating over 4,500 hours of classroom training and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Dr. Burkitt is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, and is registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. She treats general health concerns and has experience in sports injuries, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, mental health, women’s health, and pediatrics.
Interested in booking an appointment with Dr. Burkitt?
Reasons to seek Naturopathic Medicine can include:
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Fertility issues
- Digestive problems
- Obesity
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic pain
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Inflammation
- General wellness
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE FAQ
We’ve compiled a list of FAQs to address some of the most common questions that our clients ask us.
What are the benefits I can expect after visiting my Naturopath?
The goal of Naturopathic Medicine is to treat the whole person — that means mind, body, and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an illness — not just stop the symptoms.
A naturopathic doctor may spend 1 to 2 hours examining you to learn about your health history, stress levels, and lifestyle habits.
Afterwards, they’ll discuss your personal health plan. Naturopathic Medicine focuses on education and prevention, so your doctor may give you diet, exercise, or stress management tips. A Naturopath might use complementary medicine — like homeopathy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture — in addition to naturopathic treatments. Naturopath’s may also use touch, such as massage and pressure, to create balance in your body. This is called naturopathic manipulative therapy.
What is a Naturopathic physician?
Naturopathic physicians: These are also called naturopathic doctors (ND) or doctors of naturopathic medicine (NMD). They usually attend an accredited four-year, graduate-level school. They learn the same basic sciences as conventional medical doctors (MD). But they also study nutrition, psychology, and complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy. Some states and territories require naturopathic doctors to become licensed. That means they have to pass an exam to practice and take continuing education classes.