• open Naturopathic medicinal book in amongst bowls of medicinal herbs

Why Choose Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic doctors (ND) are one of your options for health care. The naturopathic approach is based on several key concepts including the healing power of nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae), identify and treat the causes (Tolle Causam), first do no harm (Primum Non Nocere), treat the whole person (Tolle Totum), prevention (Preventare), and doctor as teacher (Docere). With these principles in mind, each patient’s condition is addressed on an individual basis. A naturopathic doctor may recommend several types of interventions including diet and lifestyle changes along with other therapies such as botanical medicine, natural health products, and other complementary support services.

Naturopathic treatments have an extensive history dating back to the mid 1800’s. Modern naturopathic medicine has expanded on these traditional approaches and treatments using available science and research. Most naturopathic doctors complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in the arts or sciences, followed by additional four years at an accredited naturopathic medical school. In order to practice professionally, naturopathic doctors must then successfully pass a comprehensive exam (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams; NPLEX) which assesses both biomedical and clinical science. Additionally, the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC hosts the BC CNPBC Provincial Board Exams which must be completed in order to become registered and licensed to practice within the province.

Naturopathic Medicine Is Effective

Naturopathic doctors employ a wide variety of treatments that are evidence based and supported by modern medical science. Doctor Reichert is a contributor to the new edition of the renowned “Textbook of Natural Medicine” on the subject of melatonin. Moreover, he has published several articles on a novel viscous fibre and its role in clinical weight management. They can be found in the National Library of Medicine database called PUBMED. They include:

  • Reichert RG, Lyon MR, Kacinik V, Gahler RJ, Manjoo P, Purnama M, Wood S. Decreasing cardiovascular risk factors in obese individuals using a combination of PGX® meal replacements and PGX® granules in a 12-week clinical weight modification program. J Complement Integr Med. 2013 May 7;10.
  • Reichert RG, Reimer RA, Kacinik V, Pal S, Gahler RJ, Wood S. Meal replacements and fibre supplement as a strategy for weight loss. Proprietary PGX® meal replacement and PGX® fibre supplement in addition to a calorie-restricted diet to achieve weight loss in a clinical setting. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev. 2013;29:221-9.

Naturopathic doctors work with patients to identify the root causes of disease and to address all the factors that are affecting a patient’s health

Naturopathic doctors work with patients to identify the root causes of disease and to address all the factors that are affecting a patient’s health

Naturopathic Medicine Has Benefits

While many of us see a healthcare professional when symptoms arise, it is important not only to address the immediate health concerns but also consider all other associated factors in an integrative manner. Naturopathic doctors go far beyond addressing immediate symptoms. They also look to the root cause in order to take an active role in prevention thereby supporting your optimal wellness.

Naturopathic Medicine Is Personalized

A naturopathic doctor will treat each patient as a unique individual based on their medical history, lifestyle factors, nutrition (diet), emotional state, environmental, social conditions, genetics, and overall lifestyle. This allows for a highly personalized approach that addresses the associated health concerns. You will be involved in your health choices and learn to make effective, educated, self-care decisions that can help prevent future health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

On your initial visit you may want to bring a list of prescription and natural medications you are currently taking along with any relevant laboratory test results. You will also be asked to fill out forms prior to your first visit providing your personal information including MSP number, reasons for your visit, medical history (past and present), allergies including food and prescriptive drugs as well as any information of your medical coverage.

Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC has very limited coverage for naturopathic medicine. Most extended health care plans have naturopathic medical coverage which is usually provided through your employer. It is recommended that you speak with your specific plan provider in order to be informed as to what is specifically covered or reimbursed.

Naturopathic doctors have extensive knowledge and continuing education in the interactions between prescription medications and natural health products. They can advise on mitigating possible prescription drug side effects and when appropriate offer options to prescription medications. Additionally, they can advise you when to take natural medicines so as to mitigate drug-herb or drug-vitamin interactions.

Naturopathic doctors are not able to refer you to medical (MD) specialists. They can refer to physiotherapists, chiropractors, traditional Chinese medical doctors, registered massage therapists, and counsellors as needed.

Naturopathic doctors are not opposed to other forms of treatment including surgery, vaccines, or prescription drug therapy.

Naturopathic doctors in BC can send you to Lifelabs for a wide variety of lab tests in order to help understand your health concerns. These services are however not covered by BC medical services plan (MSP). Please consult with your naturopathic doctor as to the fees associated with this service.

Yes, naturopathic doctors are trained to provide certain prescription medications when needed.

No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment with Doctor Reichert.

On your initial visit you may want to bring a list of medications you are currently taking and any information on past medical history including test results if available. Beyond your immediate reason for a visit the doctor may also ask about family history, lifestyle, diet and nutrition in order to begin diagnosis and treatment recommendations. You will also be asked to fill out forms on your first visit providing personal information, history and contact details as well as any applicable coverage plan information.

The average clinic visit is between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC has limited the coverage for Naturopathic Medicine. Most extended health care plans have naturopathic medical coverage and these plans are usually provided through your employer. Extended health plans may vary from person to person or employer to employer so it is recommended that you speak with your specific plan provider to be informed what specifically covered or reimbursed.

Naturopathic doctors have extensive knowledge and continuing education in the interactions between pharmacological drugs, both OTC and prescription, and natural medicines. They can advise on mitigating possible side effects, alternatives to prescription medications, and when and with what to take natural medicines and/or prescription drugs.

Yes. Naturopathic doctors believe that your overall health and wellness is most important and working together is for the benefit of the patient. Naturopathic doctors also do not oppose other forms of treatment, such as surgery or pharmacological prescriptions, when these methods are necessary.