| Massage Therapy |
Hellerwork™ |
Reiki |
| Acupressure |
Jin Shin Jyutsu™ |
Rolfing™ |
| Aromatherapy |
Jin Shin Do Bodymind |
Rosen Method™ |
| Alexander Technique™ |
Acupressure™ |
Shiatsu |
| Aston Patterning™ |
Therapeutic Touch™ |
Trager™ |
| Craniosacral Therapy |
Acupressure |
Structural Integration™ |
| BodyTalk™ |
Myomassology |
Therapeutic Tourch™ |
| Brain Gym™ |
Orthotherapy |
Tai Chi |
| Feldenkrais™ |
Quigong |
Touch for Health™ |
| Energy Work |
Pilates |
Watsu |
| Healing Touch |
Rebalancing |
Yoga |
| Bowen Technique™ |
Ortho-Bionomy |
Reflexology |
For more detailed modality descriptions, visit
Recognized Modalities
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Find a Qualified Practitioner
The Find a Practitioner service is a national database which enables you to quickly and efficiently locate natural health practitioners across Canada.
You can search the database by practice modality, location, and/or name.
You may find just the ‘right’ practitioner for you the first time you try. However, you may also need to try several practitioners to find the right fit for you, because, besides credentials, there is also a personal element to natural health care.
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What Training Do Natural Health Practitioners Receive?
Natural Health Practitioners receive specific training in a range of modalities that have been proven effective in the maintenance of health, prevention of disease and treatment of illness.
The training that Natural Health Practitioners receive depends on the type of modality they practice. Training can range from several years of intensive education to a few weekend courses.
Membership with NHPC is based on recognition of programs that provide training in NHPC recognized modalities, or practice fields. To become recognized by NHPC, the training program undergoes a Credentialing Assessment Protocol (CAP). The CAP process is designed with practitioner competence and public safety top-of-mind. For more information on practitioner training visit Recognized Schools.
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How Do I Know A Practitioner is Qualified?
Begin by contacting the Natural Health Practitioner you have pre-selected. Ask what training or other qualifications the practitioner has. Ask out their credentials – education, experience, other training, licenses, and certifications.
Find out if they are a member-in-good-standing with a professional association, like the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC).
If they are a NHPC member-in-good-standing, their credentials have been verified and they have signed a Code of Ethics. Further, the member is subject to a Discipline Resolution Process that fairly addresses public complaints about a practitioner.
See Find a Practitioner to locate NHPC members.
You can also ask if the practitioner is a member of a regulatory college (only a few of the natural health practice modalities are regulated).
Once you have gathered information, assess the information and determine which Natural Health Practitioner is best suited to your needs and provided you with the best answers.
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Who Uses the Services of Natural Health Practitioners?
People seek the health services of Natural Health Practitioners to help meet their health care needs.
The 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey reported that almost 25 percent of Canadians aged 12 or older said they had visited a Natural Health Practitioner – mostly massage therapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists.
Research in Canada, the United States and Europe shows that people who use natural health care tend to:
- Want to take responsibility for their own health
- Be concerned about side effects from conventional treatment
- Have had a disappointing experience with mainstream medicine
- Be more satisfied with their relationships with practitioners.
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How do I find a Natural Health Practitioner?
Referrals from friends and families are good sources for locating a Natural Health Practitioner.
The Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) website also provides a Find a Practitioner service.
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Questions To Ask When You Visit a Natural Health Practitioner?
The first visit is very important. Come prepared to answer questions about your health history. On your first visit, practitioners should assess your health. Based on your discussion, and in some cases, a physical examination, the practitioner should propose a plan.
If you need time to think it over, take it.
Not only will the practitioner wish to gather information from you, but you will want to ask questions, too.
Personality fit is important too, so is trust. Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns.
- What benefits can I expect from this therapy?
- What are the risks associated with this therapy?
- Should I expect any side effects?
- How long will I need to undergo treatment?
- Will I need to buy any equipment or supplies?
- Do you have any research about using the treatment for my condition?
- Could the therapy interact with conventional treatments? ·
- Are there any conditions for which this treatment should not be used?
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Additional Questions
- Do you currently have a business license to operate as a natural health practitioner and/or massage therapist?
- Are you a graduate of a training program recognized by the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) or some other professional or regulatory organization?
- Where did you receive your training?
- How long have you been practicing?
- Can you provide me with any references?
- Do you have advanced training in any specific modalities and/or techniques?
- Are you a member of NHPC?
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