We’ve assembled some of the most commonly asked questions regarding naturopathic healthcare to help provide you with quick access to your questions.
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Ideally, massage therapy treatments are done prior to an acupuncture session.
No, each patient only needs to do one initial assessment. If you have not seen Dr. Andresen for a while, it is recommended to book a 45 minute follow up appointment instead of a 30 minute follow up appointment so there is enough time to address your concerns.
Yes, Dr. Andresen consults the latest scientific research when preparing your individualized treatment plan to be sure that you are receiving the most up to date and effective natural treatment options available.
NDcare Naturopathic Clinics are located at 2455A Queen Street East in The Beaches and at 200 Spadina Avenue in Downtown Toronto.
Yes, Dr. Andresen carries a wide variety of herbs, vitamins and other nutrients at both of her clinic locations, but she also gives recommendations on where to buy the recommended products at local health food stores.
Yes, evening appointments are available at both The Beaches and Downtown Toronto clinic locations.
Yes, Dr. Andresen has experience treating a wide variety of pediatric concerns for children of all ages.
Myofascial acupuncture is specific for pain management – back, neck, shoulder, foot, leg, arm, wrist etc. Muscle function is improved and pain reduced by inserting an acupuncture needle directly into the trigger point that is causing the problem. A trigger point is a tender point within the muscle that prevents the muscle from properly relaxing. Trigger points are formed by repetitive strain to the muscle ex. Desk work, sudden injury, overuse. By inserting an acupuncture needle into the trigger point and eliciting a muscle twitch response, the muscle can then relax and function properly, resulting in reduced pain.
Yes, most extended health care plans cover naturopathic services but you will need to check with your provider to confirm the extent of your coverage.
Use our contact form, or call our office today, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Yes. Naturopathic doctors perform a wide variety of laboratory tests, such as blood work, stool, urine, and saliva testing. Naturopathic doctors can order many of the same lab tests as medical doctors. It is recommended that you bring any recent lab work results to your first naturopathic appointment, but Dr. Andresen can also fax a request to your family doctor to obtain previous blood-work.
You will begin with an initial assessment, followed by a complimentary appointment one-to-two days later to discuss your treatment plan. Follow-up appointments are scheduled as needed; however, Dr. Tara Andresen will typically schedule a follow-up appointment about two to three weeks after your initial appointment and treatment plan discussion.
Your first visit with Toronto naturopathic doctor Dr. Tara Andresen will last 90 minutes in total and consist of a 60-minute comprehensive health assessment, followed by a 30 minute discussion of your treatment plan to be scheduled on a different day. If required, acute care can be offered during the 60 minute assessment.
Naturopathy and traditional western medicine have differing philosophies and approaches to treatment. Traditional MD’s are licensed to prescribe medications and perform surgery. Naturopathic doctors prescribe natural remedies, such as herbs, vitamins and supplements, diet and lifestyle changes, and other medical disciplines, such as acupuncture. Western medicine treats individual symptoms, while naturopathy treats the whole person. Traditional and naturopathic medicine can complement each other to provide total healthcare.
No. Naturopathy and homeopathy are two distinct medical practices. Naturopathy uses many different natural treatments, while homeopathy focuses exclusively on homeopathic remedies. However, naturopaths do use homeopathy as part of their natural treatment repertoire.
Dr. Andresen graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). Prior to her naturopathic studies, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from McGill University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from York University.
Naturopathic doctors are required to have a four-year undergraduate University degree, followed by comprehensive post-graduate medical training at one of six North American naturopathic colleges.
Toronto naturopathic doctor Dr. Tara Andresen has a fee structure for initial consultations, follow-up appointments and acupuncture. Click here for more information on costs of naturopathic visits.
No, naturopathic fees are not covered by O.H.I.P. However, most employer extended healthcare plans will cover naturopathic visits. Check with your employer or insurance company to confirm your eligibility.
Naturopathic medicine may consist of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, botanical medicine, nutritional recommendations and supplementation, homeopathy, vitamin injection therapy and traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture, and other modalities.
Naturopathy treats a wide range of health conditions. Some conditions include hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, heart disease and hypertension, skin conditions, chronic pain, women’s health, infertility, stress management, anxiety and depression, immune systems disorders, blood sugar dysregulation, weight management and cold/flu prevention, among many others.
Naturopathy is a medical system that uses natural therapies, scientific information, and western medical diagnostics. It supports the power of the body to heal itself. Naturopathy uses several medical disciplines to create customized treatment plans tailored to the individual, including herbal medicine, clinical nutrition and acupuncture
Naturopathic doctors are highly trained, skilled, healthcare practitioners committed to providing the best possible care for those looking for more natural treatment options than the conventional medical community provides. In Ontario, Naturopathic medicine is a regulated health profession and requires 8 years of post-secondary education, including a 4-year undergraduate degree including pre-medicine sciences and a 4.5-year post graduate program at a CNME accredited naturopathic college. In order to qualify for licensing in Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors must pass two rigorous sets of Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams (NPLEX I & II), the standard exams used across North America. The licensing body in Ontario is the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). Naturopathic healthcare uses an evidence-based approach and doctors stay current with the latest in scientific research in order to provide the best possible level of healthcare. All licensed Naturopaths are required to earn continuing education credits on a regular basis and maintain their CONO registration in good standing under the Naturopathy Act of 2007.