Today marks the beginning of a week to acknowledge naturopathic doctors in the City of Swift Current.

Swift Current City Council proclaimed on Monday that from today until Saturday will be known as Naturopathic Medicine Week.

Leshia Ferguson, a Swift Current naturopathic doctor, and a member of the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Doctors, submitted a video explaining the benefits of naturopathic medicine.

In a later interview, Ferguson explained that she hopes to be able to increase people’s knowledge of her profession.

“There is a lot to naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine combines both the modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It’s really based on the healing power of nature and supports and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself.”

“We do use it for an art and a science to diagnose diseases for treatment and prevention.”

She explained that they do so through means such as clinical nutrition, homeopathy, lifestyle counselling and botanical medicine. Naturopathic doctors provide primary care in addition to the western medical system.

With each passing year, she says she’s seen the awareness around naturopathy grow and become a more recognized medical profession.

Extended healthcare can also cover visits and/or testing from naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic doctors can conduct range from allergy tests, to nutrient and hormone testing.

Through the pandemic, Ferguson connected with her clients through video link.

“I love what I do, I love being a naturopathic doctor, I love one of our philosophies as doctors is being a teacher, and I love teaching people about their bodies and their health.”

She studied pre-medical courses for four years in college, and four years at an accredited naturopathic college, plus two board exams and a licensing exam to become a naturopathic doctor and said that some people have the misconception that becoming a naturopath is a career that isn’t governed by long-term post-secondary educational requirements.

Ferguson said that in past years she was able to attend Council to help welcome the week in, but decided to submit a pre-recorded video for the digital meeting.