Questions about Naturopathy?

Im thinking about going to a Naturopathic clinic and I've never been before. First of all-Will I need a referal from my GP? Second-I live in Canada so will I have to pay to go? And if so what are the usual rates? Also is there anything else I should know about naturopathy before I go in? Thanks.

I am not sure about Canadian referral procedures, but I can tell you about my view of naturopathy. As an osteopathic (DO) internal medicine resident, I am probably more open to alternative medicine than most of my allopathic (MD) counterparts.

I can tell you that herbal remedies and many alternative treatments are helpful and do have some amount of research behind their use, although many of the studies are small, show only limited benefit, or are poorly designed due to lack of control (placebo or general medical practice) or use of impure or inconsistent doses.

This is not to say that they don't work or that they shouldn't be attempted, but I do feel that your doctor needs to know what you are taking to adjust for any interactions with current medications or to warn you of any potential harms. (Most naturopathic practitioners know these things, but some may not.) If he/she is "old school," then you will probably hear some lectures about how harmful some alternative therapies turn out to be.

Good luck.