Dr. Benna Lun BSc(Hons) ND
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Copyright © 2012 by Bena Lun, ND
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Contact:  E-mail
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Ridgeway
Wellness Centre
355 Ridge Rd. N
Fort Erie, ON
P: (905) 894-1551
F: (905) 894-4183

Niagara Falls
Chiropractic Clinic
6150 Valley Way
Niagara Falls, ON
P: (905) 357-5566

SERVING:
Niagara Falls
Niagara-On-The-Lake
Port Colborne
St. Catharines
Ridgeway
Fort Erie
Welland
Thorold
Buffalo

 
How do Naturopathic Doctors differ from other "natural medicine doctors"?
Is Naturopathic Medicine legally recognized?
What training do Naturopathic Doctors receive?
Who should see a Naturopathic Doctor? What types of conditions do Naturopathic doctors treat?
What techniques do Naturopathic Doctors use?
Will I have to stop taking my medications or seeing my MD?
How long are appointments with a Naturopathic Doctor?
How is treatment billed?
Will my insurance plan cover naturopathic treatment?
My question is not here and I would like to email Dr. Lun
How do Naturopathic Doctors differ from other "natural medicine doctors"?

In regulated provinces such as Ontario, the title "Naturopathic Doctor" is legally protected and may only be used by individuals who have undergone specific training and  attained licensure.

Other titles, such as "Doctor of Natural Medicine" or "Natural Health Doctor" etc. are not protected in this way, and individuals using these titles may not have received standardized training. Furthermore, patients who have insurance coverage for "Naturopathic Medicine" may not be able to claim treatment by individuals who are not licensed Naturopathic Doctors.

Naturopathic Doctors are different from other natural health practitioners, such as dieticians/nutritionists, acupuncturists, herbalists, etc. in that they are trained in multiple natural therapies and are able to combine them in order to address a patient's health from multiple angles.     

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Is Naturopathic Medicine legally recognized?

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are legally regulated in Ontario and are licensed under the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy (BDDT-N) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). They must complete at least 3 years of undergraduate study before entering the 4-year naturopathic program, and successfully pass the North American standardized Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams (NPLEX) and the Ontario provincial licensing exam.

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What training do Naturopathic Doctors receive?

Naturopathic Doctors trained at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM)are required to complete at least 3 years of undergraduate study (most have a full Bachelor's degree) including university courses in general biology, physiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, psychology, and humanities prior to admission.
Click here for more information about applying to CCNM

The Naturopathic medical program at CCNM is a 4 years in length with over 3000 hours of in-classroom training with courses in physiology, biochemistry, differential diagnosis, lab diagnosis, pharmacology, and more in addition to learning naturopathic therapies (nutrition, acupuncture, counselling, etc.). Students also obtain more than 1200 hours of clinical experience, including one full year of supervised patient care at the Robert Schad naturopathic teaching clinic and satellite clinics in the Greater Toronto Area.
Click here for more information about the naturopathic program at CCNM.

In order to practice in regulated provinces such as Ontario, naturopaths must pass the North American standardized Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams (NPLEX) and the provincial licensing exam. They must also be licensed under their provincial regulatory board(s), which in Ontario are the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy (BDDT-N) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).

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Who should see a Naturopathic Doctor? What types of conditions do ND's treat?

1. Patients looking for disease prevention and health promotion
2. Patients who prefer to address their health naturally, and would like the  
      guidance of a trained professional
3. Patients with mild symptoms or lab abnormalities that do not warrant
    pharmaceutical/conventional medical treatment
4. Patients with symptoms they have not been able to find a diagnosis for
5. Patients with diagnosed illness(es) looking for complementary OR
      alternative treatment


Naturopathic doctors specialize in the prevention and treatment of long-term/chronic illnesses that include but are not limited to the following:

     Stress and Anxiety
     Frequent colds/flus
     Hormonal imbalances (Menopause, PCOS, hypothyroidism, etc)
     Menstrual disorders
     Diabetes and Heart Disease
     Stomach/Intestinal problems (IBS, diarrhea, constipation, etc)
     Autoimmune diseases
     Muscle/joint pain (Arthritis, frozen shoulder, chronic back pain, etc)
     Weight loss
     Low energy
     Addictions
          and more ...


Click here for more information about the types of conditions ND's treat

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What techniques do Naturopathic Doctors use?

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) may use one or more of the following therapies based on patient needs and comfort level:
       Nutrition
       Dietary supplements
       Acupuncture
       Herbs
       Homeopathic Medicine
       Lifestyle Counselling
       Physical Therapies
       Hydrotherapy
All treatment options are discussed at length in appointments and patients have the right to decline any recommendations they are not comfortable with.


Click here for more information about naturopathic therapies

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Will I have to stop taking my medications or seeing my MD?

Naturopathic medicine works in complement with other forms of medical care, and can even correct deficiencies or reverse side effects induced by medications. Naturopathic Doctors are also trained to identify interactions between a patient's medications and natural supplements and tailor their naturopathic treatments accordingly.

You will not be required to discontinue treatment by your MD or change your drug regimen in order to receive naturopathic care by Dr. Lun.

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How long are appointments with a naturopathic doctor?

Every ND practices differently, but generally the first appointment is longer and involves a complete history taking in order for the doctor to get a clear picture of the patient's health status and treatment requirements.

Your first appointment with Dr. Lun will be 90-120 minutes long and will include a full case history as well as some physical examination.

Your second appointment will be 60-75 minues long and will include a review of the treatments initiated in the first appointment, and in-office treatment such as acupuncture and/or further treatment recommendations if applicable.

Follow-up appointments vary in length depending on patient needs and preferences, generally becoming shorter as treatment progresses, and may include in-office treatments such as acupuncture.

Dr. Lun does not require patients to commit to a pre-scheduled appointment regimen or payment plan.

Click here for more information about appointments and fees

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How is treatment billed?

Payments are taken following each appointment and may be made by credit card, debit, or cash. Dr. Lun does not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time.

Click here for a complete list of fees and appointment lengths

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Will my insurance plan cover naturopathic treatment?

Many private healthcare plans have coverage for naturopathic treatment under the following categories:
     Naturopathic Medicine
     Acupuncture (some companies cover acupuncture performed by an ND)
     Homeopathy (some companies cover homeopathic treatment performed
        by an ND)
     Health Spending Account
Call your insurance company for more information. They may ask you about your ND's qualifications, licensure, and fees.

Dr. Lun currently does not offer direct billing to insurance companies.

There is unfortunately no subsidy under Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) at this time, even with a referral from a medical doctor.


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