FAQs

What can Naturopathic Medicine do for me?

Naturopathic medicine treats many health concerns both acute and chronic, physical and psychological and it can be incorporated in EVERY person’s healthcare plan and is especially beneficial for:

Patients looking for disease prevention and health promotion.
Patients that have many unaddressed symptoms that they couldn’t resolve on their own or with the help of other medical/allied health practitioners.
Patients with a diagnosed illness and are looking for treatment options to improve their quality of life.

Patients who wish to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments to minimize side effects of drugs and/or surgical interventions.

How do Naturopathic Doctors compare to conventional doctors?

Both doctors provide primary care and are similarly trained however they differ in the philosophical approach and the therapies they use. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) treat patients as individuals by addressing the physical, environmental, lifestyle, and emotional parts of health. Dr. Marwa Dabbagh, ND will aim to find and treat the cause of the illness/disease using a variety of assessment tools and therapies. Conventional doctors generally address and treat the symptoms of disease and use pharmaceutical therapies or surgery. Both Naturopathic doctors and conventional doctors can work together and collaborate to deliver the best options for their shared patients by referring their patients to either medical system.

Do I have to choose between conventional medicine and Naturopathic Medicine?

No. Dr. Dabbagh, ND has worked with many conventional family physicians to treat their shared patients. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to know when to refer to specialists and other allied healthcare providers while continuing naturopathic medical treatments.

Is Naturopathic Medicine the same as Homeopathy?

No, however homeopathy is only one of many modalities naturopathic doctors can elect to use in their treatment plans. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in both conventional and natural medical knowledge while homeopaths are only trained in homeopathy. Also the educational requirements for the completion of each profession is vastly different as homeopaths are currently not required to have at least 7 years of postsecondary education nor are they recognized as doctors.

What can I expect from my first visit with Dr. Marwa Dabbagh, ND?

Dr. Marwa Dabbagh, ND will try to get to know you as a person first and foremost as Naturopathic doctors believe that treating the whole person is paramount to achieving health. Generally, Dr. Dabbagh, ND will ask you extensive questions to determine patterns and connection in your body that are affecting your health. She may also inquire about your health goals, expectations of the visits, and how you have managed your health concerns in the past. First visit will take about an hour to allow adequate time for discussion and information gathering. Your Naturopathic Doctor may conduct a full physical exam and inquire about your mental, emotional and spiritual health, your diet and lifestyle, any treatments you may have had from other healthcare providers and any current drugs and supplements that you are taking. In addition, Dr. Dabbagh, ND may requisition some lab tests or conduct in-office tests if she deems it necessary for you. It is advised that you bring in with you any imaging or lab tests that you have had with other healthcare providers in the past year and any drug/supplement regimen you are on. All the information gathered can then be used by Dr. Dabbagh, ND to formulate an individual customized plan to present to you on your next visit.

Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario?

Yes. Naturopathic doctors are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). CONO's mandate is to ensure that naturopathic doctors are properly qualified to practice naturopathic medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice. The scope of practice and the title of Naturopathic doctors are protected by law by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). Naturopathic Doctors have to complete rigorous continuing education credits and go through monitoring by CONO on regular basis.