Naturopathy uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself

Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself.

It is a system of primary health care that is grounded both in modern scientific knowledge as well as traditional healing practices. Naturopathic philosophy is rooted in the belief that under the right conditions, the human body has the innate ability to heal itself. Beginning with the least invasive therapies such as lifestyle modifications, optimizing nutrition, and acupuncture, your naturopathic doctor will work with you to build a state of sustainable health. When necessary, stronger interventions such as herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, and naturopathic injection therapies may be used. Regardless of the specific treatment used, your treatment plan will aim to eliminate the root cause of your symptoms, rather than just the symptoms themselves.

Dr. Jessie Short specializes in hormonal and menstrual health and unlike standalone clinics, our Naturopathic services integrate seamlessly with our Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Massage programs. This ensures that your internal health (nutrition and hormones) supports your physical recovery (movement and strength).

In Canada, naturopathic doctors must graduate from accredited naturopathic medical programs, pass standardized North American board exams, and adhere to national and provincial standards of practice.

What happens during a first Naturopathic consultation?

A Naturopathic visit begins with a deep dive into your health story and how it affects your daily life. The Naturopathic Doctor reviews all body systems, from digestion to skin, looking for patterns and hidden imbalances. Medications, supplements, and their effects are discussed. Diet, movement, sleep, stress, and relationships are explored as key pieces of the puzzle. They’ll also want to identify key stressors and support systems, like family, friends, and work. A focused physical exam may be done, and tests ordered if needed. At the end of the appointment, you have a customized treatment plan that fits your values, lifestyle, and capacity for change.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by insurance in Nova Scotia?

Yes, Naturopathic Medicine is covered by most private insurance plans in Nova Scotia. If you do not have private insurance, you can generally include the cost of naturopathic doctor appointments as eligible medical expenses on your income tax return in Nova Scotia.

Can I combine Naturopathic care with my current Physiotherapy plan?

Absolutely. Naturopathic care improves your overall health—through nutrition, sleep, activity, and stress management— accelerating injury healing by providing the body with raw materials, energy, and an optimal environment needed for tissue repair. A healthy body manages inflammation better, increases blood flow for nutrient delivery, and supports immune function to speed up tissue regeneration.