Aranka Jones

Our work together begins with me listening attentively and with compassion to your story. This will feel different and take quite a bit longer than interactions with other doctors.

I have the luxury of scope and time to discuss multiple health concerns in the same visit. My assessment is thorough and takes into account your medical history, family history, lifestyle, diet, environment as well as mental and emotional factors.

I may need to review labs and imaging performed by your family doctor or specialist to make informed decisions about treatment. If you have access to relevant health records, please share these with me during your first visit, otherwise I will request what I need after we meet. 

Whenever it is warranted, I order lab tests to diagnose, treat and monitor your condition. Although lab tests ordered by naturopathic doctors are not covered by OHIP, this gives us access to a wider range of tests and the ability to be more proactive when it comes to screening and prevention. I do not profit from lab testing and will not waste your resources on unnecessary tests.

I take the time to listen, ask questions and think about all of your health concerns in a holistic, integrative manner. My goal is that you feel heard, respected, empowered and informed. I will give you clear guidance to take meaningful action and realistic expectations. Your care should feel insightful, personalized and practical.

I recommend integrative treatment options that are safe and evidence-based. I will inform you of both the anticipated benefits as well as any known risks such as the possible aggravation of preexisting symptoms, known side effects and the potential for drug-herb-nutrient interactions. I will also advise you of any associated costs and alternative courses of action so that you feel confident in making an informed decision about your care every step of the way.

Treatment will be recommended to some extent during your initial visit and a comprehensive care plan is established at our second visit. Treatment incorporates elements of lifestyle medicine, nutrition, nutraceuticals, botanical medicine and mind-body techniques, as well as education and advocacy related to the “conventional” medical care that is required. I collaborate with physicians and specialists and will assist you in navigating your options. 

Once we have met twice, I will recommend an appropriate course of follow up to monitor your response to treatment, make necessary adjustments to your care plan and support you in maintaining improvements in your health. The frequency and duration of subsequent visits depends entirely on the individual, how often they wish to access my support, what they hope to accomplish, and their budget. In addition to addressing your presenting concerns, I am available to provide guidance with respect to prevention and health promotion.

I am anti-“snake oil” and do not buy into pseudoscience – at least not anymore! My recommendations are sensible and supported by research. 

• I do NOT waste resources on costly or unnecessary lab tests
• I do NOT profit from selling vitamins, supplements or health products
• I do NOT recommend outrageous supplement regimens
• I do NOT recommend restrictive diets or “detoxes”
• I do NOT discourage patients from taking pharmaceuticals
• I do NOT prescribe homeopathy
• I am NOT anti-vax

Naturopathic Medicine Fast Facts

• Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary healthcare integrating standard medical diagnostics with complementary and sometimes alternative therapies.
• Naturopathic treatment is tailored to the individual and incorporates elements of clinical nutrition, lifestyle counselling, herbal and botanical medicine and mind-body techniques.
• Naturopathic treatment prioritizes correcting the underlying cause of health concerns whenever doing so is possible and practical. 
• Naturopathic doctors receive a minimum seven years of post-secondary education and complete standardized examinations in order to enter practice in Ontario.
• Naturopathic medicine is a regulated healthcare profession in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors are required to hold a certificate of registration with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. In order to renew registration each year, Ontario naturopaths must satisfy requirements for continuing education and quality assurance in order to protect the public.
• When naturopathic therapies are used appropriately, they are generally safe, non-invasive and well-tolerated but they are not entirely without risk. Working with an evidence-based naturopathic doctor allows you to safely and appropriately incorporate natural therapies into your healthcare while continuing to receive medical treatment from other healthcare professionals including your family doctor and specialist.
• Naturopathic doctors should collaborate with other members of your medical team. This includes when your needs require medical attention beyond the scope of a naturopathic doctor.
• Working with a naturopathic doctor should not interfere with the care you are receiving from your family doctor or specialist. In many instances, naturopathic care can reduce medication side effects and nutrient depletions to help you better tolerate medication and maintain good compliance with necessary treatments.
• Naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP but they are usually covered by extended health benefits. Please check with your insurance provider. Direct billing is available upon request.
• Delivering a high standard of care incurs substantial costs for me personally. My visit fees reflect both the time we spend in session and my post-visit labour, which includes crafting extensive personalized care plans and communicating with you and your medical team outside of our visits. I invest a significant amount of resources every year to stay up to date on evidence-based integrative medicine through continuing education that is not funded by supplement companies and commercial labs. If my fees pose a challenge in accessing care, please inquire about flexible payment terms.