Karen Snow
Naturopathic Doctor
Common Conditions Treated
We treat a number of common conditions with evidence based naturopathic treatments.
Treatment Options
There are six major treatment options that help to define Naturopathic Medicine. Each is a distinct area of practice and includes diagnostic principles and practices as well as therapeutic skills and techniques.
Supplement Dispensary
The proper amount of active ingredients is critical when treating specific conditions and supporting the body. While a certain nutrient may be healthy, if it’s not attained in a physiological dose, you will not see results that you otherwise should expect.
What do Naturopathic Doctors do?
Naturopathic doctors play a critical role in optimizing health and preventing disease by working to find the root cause of illness and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal.
I believe that working in partnership with other regulated health care providers, including medical doctors, chiropractors, registered massage therapists, and more, ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.
Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient and their needs.
About Dr. Karen Snow
Naturopathic Doctor
Karen is passionate about teaching her patients how to optimize health through diet, lifestyle changes, and various naturopathic supports with the ultimate goal of improving health and preventing disease.
Primary General Health Care
ND’s are committed to understanding of the root cause of what’s going on and supporting the body’s innate ability to heal. We look beyond treating and suppressing symptoms to determine the cause of illness. Every ND is trained to know that accomplishing this requires the time to fully understand each patient’s situation, answer all of their patients’ questions and conduct a thorough naturopathic assessment.
Naturopathic Doctors focus on assessment and treatment of chronic conditions. With a wide range of therapies and a collaborative community at their fingertips, ND’s provide comprehensive, individualized care with the patient, rather than the illness, as the focus.
Prevention
ND’s are trained to handle a broad range of health issues and concerns. ND’s are leaders in health and in chronic disease prevention. Naturopathic Doctors take the time necessary to understand each individual patient’s current health, personal and family health history. They use this information to create a naturopathic assessment and treatment plan to affect positive change in their health and disease process. The majority of ND’s in Ontario work in multi-professional networks or practices, as part of a patient’s circle of care.
Lifestyle Modification and Counselling
Naturopathic Doctors work with patients to create a full picture of their health. Diet and lifestyle changes that can benefit overall health will be addressed according to each individual patient’s needs. For ND’s and their patients, healthcare is a continuing conversation – in which informed input and consent from patients is key. Naturopathic Doctors spend substantial time with each patient. The bottom line is to help patients achieve an optimum level of health and to offer support along their journey.
Six principles of Naturopathic Medicine
First Do No Harm
Identify and Treat the Causes
In addition to alleviating acute and chronic symptoms of disease, NDs seek to identify and remove underlying causes of illness. Rather than merely eliminating or suppressing symptoms, this approach moves the body toward maintaining an optimal state of health.
Doctor as Teacher
Support the Healing Power of the Body
Treat the Whole Person
Emphasize Prevention
My Health Blog
Almond Thai Stir Fry Sauce
Here is a quick and tasty stir fry sauce that you can prepare while your rice and vegetables are cooking. For a simple and filling dinner, I prepare brown basmati rice, chop a variety of vegetables and fry in a bit of coconut oil. Add 1 cup chickpeas or protein of...
Curry Lentil Cauliflower Soup
As the seasons change, our diets tend to follow. Colder weather causes a trend towards warmer foods to optimize digestion and provide comfort. Soup season is a favourite of mine, as they are quick, easy, and packed full of nutritious foods. I don't typically...
Turmeric Milk Tea
Turmeric Milk Tea Turmeric is a fantastic herb that has many health and healing properties. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties make it a great herb for joint pain and inflammatory digestive and skin conditions. Turmeric also contains antimicrobial...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Are Naturopathic Doctors regulated in Ontario?
Naturopathic Doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in Ontario under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). CONO functions to ensure that Naturopathic Doctors are properly qualified to practice Naturopathic Medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
What are the principles of Naturopathic Medicine?
First Do No Harm
Use of methods and medicines that minimize the risk of harmful side effects; Use the least force necessary to diagnose and treat; Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppressing of symptoms; and Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual self-healing process.
Identify and Treat the Causes
In addition to alleviating acute and chronic symptoms of disease, NDs seek to identify and remove underlying causes of illness. Rather than merely eliminating or suppressing symptoms, this approach moves the body toward maintaining an optimal state of health.
Doctor as Teacher
NDs work collaboratively with patients by sharing knowledge and information to create a successful treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own optimal health.
Treat the Whole Person
In addition to addressing specific complaints or symptoms, NDs look at the ‘whole picture’. The physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors contributing to the health of each individual patient are thoroughly considered.
Emphasize Prevention
NDs emphasize prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease in each patient. Appropriate interventions can then be made in partnership with patients to prevent illness.
Support the Healing Power of the Body
The practice of Naturopathic Medicine recognizes an ordered and intelligent self-healing process that is inherent to every individual. NDs work to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to facilitate this natural self-healing process.
What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Homeopathy?
If I see a Naturopathic Doctor, should I still see a Medical Doctor?
Yes! Here at Snow Naturopathic, it is encouraged that you also seek care from your Medical Doctor. I believe that working in partnership with other regulated health care providers, including medical doctors, chiropractors, registered massage therapists, and more, ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
What is the training process to become a registered Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario?
Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by OHIP?
if I have a medical doctor, should I still see a naturopathic doctor?
The answer is yes. Naturopathic doctors play a critical role in preventing disease by finding the root cause of illness and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal through various therapies. If you aren’t experiencing pain or symptoms of illness, Naturopathic Doctors aim to optimize health in order to prevent such occurrences.
Who could benefit from seeing a Naturopathic Doctor?
Do you feel tired and sluggish? Experience frequent colds and flus? Are you in good health and wanting to improve?
Naturopathic Medicine has the capacity to help people at all stages of life and in all stages of health. I meet patients where they are at and help improve health according to their personal goals. The following are a list of common concerns that lead people to seek care from a Naturopathic Doctor:
- General Health and Wellness; optimizing health, appropriate supplementation, increasing energy, prevention of age-related and genetic-related condition, detoxification
Many people are confused when it comes to supplements, wondering what they should take, correct dosage, brand, etc. Naturopathic Doctors are highly trained in this area. We work with you to create the appropriate supplement regime, which is flexible and changes over time. Optimizing health involves a variety of approaches, you might be amazed at what you thought was healthy when you feel the difference further healthy choices can make!
- Gastrointestinal Health; food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux
The gastrointestinal system plays such an integral role in our overall health. When this system isn’t functioning optimally, we find ourselves carrying toxins in our systems longer, decreased energy and alertness along with a wide variety of systemic symptoms. Specific dietary adjustments, nutrient supplementation, herbs, acupuncture and lifestyle changes may help you improve your gut health.
- Immune Health; frequent cold and flu’s, autoimmune disorders, allergies
No one likes catching the sniffles! There are several ways that Naturopathic Medicine can help prevent this, or reduce the severity once you are sick. It’s important that at the onset of a cold or flu, seek care from your ND help build your system right away. Specific combinations of antimicrobial herbs are an excellent way to fight viruses and bacteria, specific nutrients, hydrotherapy techniques, acupuncture and cupping, and homeopathic remedies depending on your specific presentation.
- Skin Health; eczema, psoriasis, acne
The integumentary system (skin) is the largest organ in your body and is connected to different body systems. Food sensitivities, environmental aggravations and diet and lifestyle factors can play roles in skin health and it is important to work through these to help the skin heal. Healing the skin is a multi-factorial issue, and Naturopathic Doctors are great a seeing the big picture, while focusing on all of the important steps required to get there.
- Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is an integral part of preventing disease and optimizing health. I believe that gradual weight loss through a comprehensive treatment strategy lead to lasting results. Nutritional counselling and education as well as effective meal plan and exercise plans will be provided. Nutrient supplementation, constitutional acupuncture may also be implemented.
- Pain Management
Pain affects many people on a daily basis. Treatment of pain depends on its origin. If inflammatory, in nature, dietary, botanical and supplementation will be used to address this cause. Acupuncture, including cupping techniques can be helpful to reduce hypertonic muscles and increase circulation to the area.
- Mental health concerns; anxiety, depression
- Insomnia, arthritis, wellness visits, and more