Aranka Jones • Virtual Naturopath Serving Ontario

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 you’ve had with other doctors and digestive health specialists.

I have the luxury of time to perform a thorough assessment of your health concerns in the context of your full medical history, lifestyle, diet and eating habits, environment, stress, mental and emotional factors, and your family history.

Depending on your health history I may need to review labs and imaging performed by your family doctor or gastroenterologist to make informed decisions about treatment. If you already have access to your health records, please share any relevant documents prior to your initial consultation to bring me up to speed.

I will order any additional lab tests if needed to diagnose, treat and monitor your condition. This typically involves blood testing and sometimes requires stool and/or breath tests to identify problems with digestive function, intestinal health and your microbiome.

I take the time to listen, ask the right questions and think about your health concerns in a holistic, integrative manner. Your care should feel insightful and personalized. My goal is that you leave my office feeling heard, respected, empowered and informed with a realistic expectation of how long it may take to feel better.

I recommend treatment that safe, integrative 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 may be initiated to some extent during your initial visit. In many cases your full care plan is laid out in your second visit when we review the results of any laboratory testing needed to inform treatment decisions.

I will recommend an appropriate course of follow up so that I may monitor your response to treatment, make necessary adjustments to your care plan and support you in maintaining improvements in your health and wellbeing. The frequency of subsequent visits is variable and depends entirely on what is appropriate for each individual’s health concerns and goals.

Naturopathic Medicine Fast Facts

• Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary healthcare integrating standard medical diagnostics with complementary and 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 is aimed at correcting the underlying causes of your health concerns while also providing relief from your symptoms.
• Naturopathic doctors receive a minimum seven years of post-secondary education and must complete standardized examinations in order to enter practice in Canada.
• 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.
• Naturopathic therapies are generally safe, non-invasive and well-tolerated but not entirely without risk. Working with a naturopathic doctor allows you to safely and appropriately incorporate natural therapies into your healthcare while continuing to receive treatment from other healthcare professionals including your family physician and specialist.
• Naturopathic doctors aim to collaborate with other members of your healthcare team including your family doctor and specialist when your needs require attention beyond the scope of naturopathic practice.
• Working with a naturopathic doctor does not interfere with the care you’re receiving from your family doctor or specialist. In many instances naturopathic care may reduce medication side effects and nutrient depletions to help you better tolerate medication and maintain good compliance with important medical treatment.
• Naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP in Ontario but they are usually covered by extended health benefits. If you have coverage for osteopathy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic or massage therapy, you likely have coverage for naturopathic care. Please check with your insurance provider. 
• When you pay for the services of a registered naturopathic doctor you will receive official receipts that can be submitted to your insurance provider for coverage or may be used as a medical expense deduction on your income tax return.
• My office is set up to directly bill most insurance providers. Please ask my team for assistance with direct billing, ideally in advance of your first visit to reduce any out of pocket spending.