
Naturopathic Education
Naturopathic medical training consists of a four-year post-graduate program. The first two years are based in basic medical sciences; anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology etc. and are comparable to conventional medical education in both subjects and hours of training.
In addition, naturopathic students study therapeutic modalities including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, physical medicine, hydrotherapy, and counseling. In the 3rd and 4th years, along with advanced courses in naturopathic modalities, students undergo 1500 hours of clinical training during which students see patients under the supervision of a licensed naturopathic doctor in a family practice clinical setting.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine provides a different lens through which to view your health concerns. It is a wellness based model of health care that aims to support people to thrive rather than just survive.
Naturopathic medicine is an integrative and holistic approach to primary health care that combines the latest scientific knowledge with traditional and natural remedies.
Utilizing a diverse set of treatment tools including clinical nutrition, IV and injection therapies, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counselling, naturopathic doctors offer personalized medicine in order to address your health concerns in the most effective way.
Health vs. Disease
Rather than simply Health vs. Disease, health is viewed on a spectrum with symptoms seen as warning signs of improper functioning. Carefully selected interventions are then aimed at returning the body to optimal function—rather than just covering up the symptoms.
Naturopathic medicine provides safe and effective treatments that can address both acute and chronic issues in a minimally invasive and non-surgical way. Naturopathic therapies are backed by scientific, clinical, and traditional evidence and are aimed at supporting and restoring the body to its normal working function.
Naturopathic Care Options
Naturopathic medicine treats a wide array of health concerns across the life span—from acute to chronic and pediatric to geriatric.
NATUROPATHIC CARE
Naturopathic doctors provide a global approach. Because of their training and the time spent with each patient, naturopathic doctors are uniquely suited to get to know each person and uncover the root of the issue. Symptoms are viewed as warning signs of improper function and rather than just managing them with medication naturopathic doctors work to identify and address the underlying cause.
IBS / SIBO
It is suspected that SIBO may be the underlying cause of 84% of IBS cases.
IV NUTRIENT THERAPY
Our team can help you decide which IV may be right for you or design a custom formula unique to your needs. Boost energy, heighten immunity, ease tension, speed recovery and so much more!
PROLOTHERAPY
Healthcare with Heart
East Meets West’s integrated, multidisciplinary team enables us to provide comprehensive and individualized care to our patients.
Naturopathic Therapy Staff

DR. RYAN NAKAMA - BSC, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Lethbridge
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine
- He is a member in good standing with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors & the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta.
- athletes of all types seeking to optimize performance and overcome injuries.
- professionals looking to increase productivity and minimize sick days
- men looking for support and understanding regarding male-specific health issues.
In general, he works to remove obstacles to health, including pain and mobility issues, in order to help patients obtain, maintain, or regain the life they want to live.
Dr. Nakama is skilled in the use of clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counselling, with additional advanced training in prolotherapy, regenerative injection therapy, and intravenous (IV) nutritional therapy. In addition to self-directed research Dr. Nakama regularly attends conferences and workshops in order to stay up to date on the latest research and clinical expertise in the areas of naturopathic medicine and patient care.
Naturopathic Care FAQ
Is naturopathic medicine scientific?
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
While a person is literally made up of atoms, cells, and organs and we are much more complex than sum our parts. This means that along with medical signs and symptoms, history and lab analysis, the many other aspects of a patient’s life, including diet, lifestyle, environmental, social and spiritual factors are also taken into consideration when assessing and addressing your health concerns. Treatment options are considered without applying “alternative” or “conventional” labels. Rather, decisions are based purely on the best treatment indicated for that particular person. This allows for the development of personalized plans that can address the issues in the most effective way. Symptoms are seen as warning signs of improper functioning of the body. Rather than suppress them only to have them return, naturopathic medicine aims to address the root cause of the issue so that a return to optimal function can be reached.
Why should I see a naturopathic doctor?
Naturopathic doctors can help with:
Treating acute conditions with a natural approach. This includes cold/flu, allergies, digestive concerns etc.
Preventing and managing chronic disease. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers, have a significant lifestyle component. Naturopathic care can help to identify and correct risk factors at all stages.
Navigating the vast (mis)information on natural health products. From miracle cures to horror stories, the internet is full of contradictory information. Just because something is natural does not mean that it is safe and just because it’s on the internet does not make it true. What should you believe? Naturopathic doctors can help sift through the mess and find the best plan for you.
A functional and integrative approach. Naturopathic doctors aim to optimize the body’s natural functions. This includes removing obstacles to health, replacing vital nutrients and working with other health care providers including conventional medical doctors.
Optimizing health and performance. Health and disease exist on a spectrum. Naturopathic medicine doesn’t just focus on treating disease, its aims to promote optimal wellness.
Raising healthy families. The best way to treat illness and disease is to prevent it. Promoting healthy habits in children goes a long way to creating healthy adults.
More specific reasons to see a naturopathic doctor are to increase energy, assess food sensitivities, balance hormones, investigate digestive concerns, treat migraines, manage pain and injuries, relieve tight muscles.
“If you’ve been hit by a truck, go to the emergency room. If you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, see a naturopathic doctor”.
What training and education do naturopathic doctors have?
Naturopathic medical training consists of a four-year post-graduate program. The first two years are based in basic medical sciences; anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology etc. and are comparable to conventional medical education in both subjects and hours of training.
In addition, naturopathic students also study therapeutic modalities including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, physical medicine, hydrotherapy, and counseling. In the 3rd and 4th years, along with advanced courses in naturopathic modalities, students undergo 1500 hours of clinical training. Students see patients under the supervision of a licensed naturopathic doctor in a family practice clinical setting.
Following graduation from an accredited school, naturopathic doctors must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEx) board exams, a set of internationally standardized tests. Only graduates from schools accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) are able to write the NPLEx exams. There are currently two accredited schools in Canada: “The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Ontario and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in B.C.. There are five accredited schools in the United States.
How is a Naturopathic doctor different from a homeopath?
How is a naturopathic doctor different from a conventional medical doctor?
Naturopathic medicine is not a replacement for conventional medical care. Rather, it provides a different lens from which to view your health concerns specifically and your health and wellness in general. Naturopathic doctors collaborate with medical doctors and other health care providers to provide complete patient care.
How is naturopathic medicine regulated in Alberta?
In Alberta, the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) is charged with ensuring that Naturopathic doctors continue to meet all educational and licensing requirements as well as continued professional education and practice standards. They also host a list of licensed and registered Naturopathic Doctors. Visit www.CNDA.net for more info. Nationally, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) acts on behalf on registered naturopathic doctors to promote the profession.
Alberta joins BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia as regulated provinces in Canada.
Is naturopathic care covered by health benefits?
What can naturopathic doctors treat?
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers and treat a variety of conditions in general practice setting.
Common conditions that naturopathic doctors treat include, but are not limited to:
Acne and other skin conditions
Allergies/Hayfever
Anxiety/depression
Arthritis
Back pain
Diabetes
Digestive issues: IBS, Crohn’s, celiac disease, reflux etc.
Fatigue
Healthy aging
Heart disease, hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions
Hormone balancing – PMS, menopause, etc.
Hypothyroid
Immune support
Infertility
Insomnia
Men’s health
Pregnancy support
Pain management
Stress
Surgical recovery and wound healing
Women’s Health
And much more…
What treatments do naturopathic doctors use?
Depending on the province or state, the scope of naturopathic medical licensure covers everything from dietary counselling to minor surgery to pharmaceutical prescribing. In Alberta, Naturopathic doctors do not currently possess prescription rights.
Do I continue with medications prescribed by my medical doctor if I see a naturopathic doctor?
What can I expect on my first visit?
The second visit is 50–60min in length and involves a review of findings from the initial consultation and the implementation of a detailed treatment plan.
Please download, print and complete the NEW PATIENT FORM and bring it with you to your first visit.
How frequently do I need to see my naturopathic doctor?
Initially visits are often spaced more frequently as a diagnosis and treatment plan are formed. This may be anywhere from weekly to monthly. As progress and improvement is seen, visits become more spread out.
Periodic follow-ups for continued maintenance and preventative care are also encouraged. This can include plans for seasonal allergy, fall/winter immune boosting, injury repair or prevention, travel health, and others.