So What Exactly Is Naturopathic Medicine? (And Should You Be Seeing an ND?)
Let’s be honest – the word “naturopathic” sounds like something your friend’s cousin who only drinks celery juice might say. But before you picture someone waving crystals over your chakras (nothing against crystals, by the way), let’s set the record straight.
Naturopathic medicine is evidence-informed, whole-body, root-cause-focused care.
In other words, it’s exactly what many women have been missing from their health journey.
At Makewell Health, our NDs are highly educated, deeply compassionate, and not here to tell you to “just drink more water” and call it a day (although hydration is important, and we’ll gently remind you about it).
What Is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine blends modern science with traditional healing to treat the whole person and not just a list of symptoms.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained in everything from clinical nutrition and lab testing to herbal medicine, acupuncture, lifestyle counseling, and more. They complete four years of postgraduate medical training and are regulated in Ontario by the College of Naturopaths.
While your MD is fantastic for acute issues (e.g. strep throat), your ND is the one who helps you untangle the “I’ve felt off for years and no one can tell me why” kind of stuff.
How It Helps Our Patient Population
Our naturopathic team works closely with women across every stage of life, addressing:
Hormonal imbalances (hello irregular cycles, PCOS, PMS, and perimenopause)
Digestive health (bloating, constipation, IBS)
Fatigue and burnout (a.k.a. the “mom runs on cortisol and caffeine” phase)
Thyroid conditions
Acne and skin health
Fertility & pregnancy support
Postpartum recovery
Immune support
Mood and mental wellness
And so much more!
And – this part is key – they collaborate. With your pelvic physio, your massage therapist, your psychotherapist, your OB… because your health isn’t in a vacuum, and your care shouldn’t be either.
How It Actually Works
Your first appointment with a naturopathic doctor is usually about 75-minutes long. Why? Because your story matters. Your ND will ask questions about:
Your current symptoms
Your health history
Your menstrual cycle
Your pregnancy history
Your digestion, energy, sleep, stress, movement, and more
From there, you might receive lab test recommendations, a tailored supplement plan, nutrition guidance, acupuncture, or lifestyle changes that support your unique needs.
There’s no one-size-fits-all protocol here. Just individualized, evidence-based care that meets you exactly where you are.
But Wait – Is It Real Medicine?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: It’s not “alternative”, it’s complementary. That means NDs often work alongside your family doctor or specialist. They’re trained to understand when pharmaceutical intervention is necessary, and they’re also trained to support your body’s natural healing processes with gentler, often less invasive approaches.
It’s not about picking sides. It’s about expanding your options.
And if you’ve ever felt rushed out of a 7-minute appointment, unheard, or dismissed with a vague “your labs are normal”, a visit with an ND might feel like a deep, full-body exhale.
When to Consider Booking With a Naturopath
You might benefit from naturopathic care if:
You’re tired of being told everything is “fine” but you don’t feel fine
You want to explore more natural options for managing your health
You’re looking for a practitioner who will listen, take their time, and build a real relationship with you
You’re dealing with multiple overlapping issues
You want support for prevention, not just treatment
The Bottom Line
Your body is wildly intelligent. But sometimes it needs a little help getting back into balance.
That’s where naturopathic medicine comes in.
Whether you’re navigating hormone chaos, trying to conceive, healing postpartum, or just want to feel good in your body again – our naturopathic doctors at Makewell Health are here to support you every step of the way.
