Frequently Asked Questions

Naturopathic medicine is a unique form of primary health care that combines modern scientific research with the art and wisdom of traditional and natural forms of medicine.  Naturopathic doctors (ND’s) are licensed as primary care physicians with expertise in complementary medicine, as well as the ability to prescribe and manage most pharmaceutical medications (in British Columbia) and have access to a full range of diagnostic tests and therapies.

• Training: In Alberta, ND’s have under-graduate pre-medical training, followed by a 4-year post graduate program at an accredited Naturopathic medical school.  Graduates must pass licensing examinations set out by North American Board of Naturopathic Education (NABNE) before obtaining their licensure and are required to maintain continuing education to ensure the highest standard of care.
• Naturopathic philosophy: ND’s are trained to treat almost all acute and chronic conditions. The focus of naturopathic practice is on understanding the unique needs of each patient, and treating the individual, rather than the disease. Patients are involved in their health program and learn to make effective lifestyle choices. Patients of every age can benefit from naturopathic care.  Someone may seek to work with a ND on a specific medical condition or may choose naturopathic medicine as a pro-active means of attaining optimal health.

An initial consultation will last approximately 1 hour and is primarily an information gathering session. We offer a holistic approach to health care and thus it is important that the doctor gains an understanding of all relevant aspects that may be contributing to your problems. The visit involves asking questions regarding your current health concerns and past medical history as well as a focused physical exam if needed. All patients will receive a non-invasive electrodermal test to help confirm our clinical hypotheses. Furthermore, all supplements and remedies are always tested for affectivity, tolerance and dosage to individualize the treatment and maximize positive outcomes. Before the end of your first visit, an individualized treatment plan with an estimated time line will be presented and options will be discussed.

As we believe in treating the whole person and in preventative medicine, we will most likely make suggestions for lifestyle changes. This may include avoiding certain foods and/or chemicals, exercise, and reducing stress. We believe that lifestyle is a cornerstone of long term health. Furthermore, there will be an outlined plan on your first visit and you may be presented with therapy suggestions in order to achieve your health goals. Although we cover many natural and mainstream medicine disciplines and have more than 25 years of combined professional experience, we refer patients appropriately when necessary.

Electrodermal testing was developed over the last 50 years by physicians and scientists in Germany. It was developed out of a realization of the limitations of existing physical and biochemical testing. The basis of this testing applies scientific biophysical technology to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture theory.  Testing technique involves the use of a precise electronic measuring instrument to specific acupuncture points to measure changes in skin resistance in response to remedies, supplements, foods, or medications placed in circuit with the patient. Testing is painless and quick. This testing is operator- dependent and thus requires a highly experienced medical practitioner.

Electrodermal testing is used diagnostically to help identify a wide range of disorders, allergies, food/chemical sensitivities, nutritional and enzyme deficiencies, organ dysfunctions and more. It is used to help confirm what is discovered in the clinical history, and pinpoints functional disorders, which occur in the pre-clinical phases of disease, and precede changes in conventional laboratory testing. Vega testing allows us to create individualized treatment plans and deliver better and faster results for patients.

At Leduc Naturopathic Clinic we treat a wide range of conditions, from acute colds and flu’s to injuries to chronic long term illnesses such as:

• Cancer.
• Autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorders.
• Infectious diseases like Lyme disease.
• Coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
• Digestive disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Allergies and asthma.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Insomnia.

Our patients range from newborns to the elderly and present with minor to life threatening conditions. Our main role is to provide a primary health care service to our patients, and address all aspects of health.

All of our therapies are gentle and safe and are tailored to meet your individual needs.  We carry a full dispensary and may prescribe homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements and/or herbs.  We may do hands-on body work using acupuncture, injection therapy, intra-venous vitamin and mineral injections, intra-articular injections and more.

We also have an onsite lymphatic drainage machine and other equipment specific to detoxification.

Classical Homeopathy:

• Entails taking a thorough case history through an in-depth patient interview; likes/dislikes, fears and modifying influences (modalities) that make the symptoms better/worse are discussed & documented.
• Modalities can include temperature, lateralities (left or right side), time of day, weather (damp/dry), heat/cold and movement, and other influences; these modalities help create the “similarity” picture.
• The classical homeopath takes into account an individual’s constitution or physical characteristics and then all of this data is used to “score” the case by looking in a repertory or computer program for analysis and the most appropriate drug is then selected (the classical homeopath believes in giving one drug at a time in one potency).

Complex Homeopathy

• Several remedies in a variety of potencies are combined into one formula to create a synergistic and broad spectrum effect.
• This approach may combine the use of nutritionals and/or herbals, as adjuncts to the homeopathic remedy

The naturopathic principles that we follow form the foundation of our approach to health and healing, and include:

• First do no harm (Primum No Nocere): ND’s provide the least invasive treatments first to treat disease in a gentle and natural way.
• The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Nature provides us with powerful tools that stimulate healing in the body and mind to restore and maintain health.
• Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam): The only way to find a cure or to achieve profound healing is to find & treat the cause of the disease. ND’s look at all aspects of the individual to uncover the underlying cause.
• Treat the Whole Person (Tolle tottum): ND’s treat each patient individually and take into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental & social factors that may attribute to one’s health.
• Doctor as Teacher (Docere): The most important role as a physician is to impart information and knowledge to their patients, so patients are empowered to take charge of their own health.