We teach all of the current naturopathic modalities to ensure that our students have a well-rounded education. From traditional Asian medicine to naturopathic counselling, students receive enough practice hours to be able to perform a wide array of practices upon graduation. When Boucher students finish their education, they are able to pursue a wide range of career options.
Botanical Medicine I – IX (Didactic with Lab)
The Botanical Medicine course series provides students with an in depth study of the botanical materia medica and the clinical use of whole plants and extracts. There is substantial time devoted to formulating, compounding and pharmacognosy, as well as toxicology and safety issues. The development of a systematic understanding of the indications and actions of medicinal plants that can be applied practically in the clinical context is emphasized.
Naturopathic Counselling I – VI
Naturopathic counselling prepares students to work with patients, peers, and supervisors. The courses have a workplace focus that includes team building and relationship building. This series of courses supports and compliments the integration of personal and professional identity and focuses on how to develop an essential clinical rapport with patients which is the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship.
The course starts with patient-centered principles and then integrates these with the naturopathic therapeutic order. Motivational interviewing is introduced just before students begin their clinical experience.
In addition to case conceptualization and communication skills, the courses examine the mind/body relationship and the process of death and dying for both patients and the patient’s clinician. Designed to help the naturopathic doctor understand mental health systems, the course also examines the DSM. In the latter years, the counselling courses focus on clinical applications of knowledge and skills when students are working in the clinic.
Homeopathy I – VIII
This is a four-part sequence that prepares the student to prescribe homeopathic remedies in an acute and classical manner. Early classes define and describe the rationale and use of homeopathics, its theories, and its definitions. Repertory, case-taking, posology, case analysis, and case management are covered in detail, with individual remedies subsequently studied. Students will acquire a working knowledge of the homeopathic materia medica and repertory in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions.
Nutrition I – VIII
The Nutrition Series begins with an examination of the physiological functions, metabolism, and requirements for all macro- and micronutrients. This is followed by concepts in dietary optimization, including phytonutrient intake, dietary influences on the microbiome and identification of food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. Once these foundational concepts are in place, the nutrition curriculum focuses on clinical nutrition – the assessment and treatment of different health states and diseases with both dietary protocols and neutraceutical supplementation. Topics covered include blood sugar imbalance (hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, diabetes), obesity, cardiovascular disease, sports nutrition, bone health/osteoporosis, brain health (autism, ADHD, mental health, neurodegenerative disorders), chronic renal failure, gastrointestinal disorders, opthalmology, hormone regulation, detoxification, and autoimmune disorders. Clinical nutrition is a key part of courses outside the Nutrition Curriculum including Oncology, Dermatology, Geriatrics, and Pediatrics. Clinical relevance and individualizing of care are emphasized.
Physical Methods and Agents Program
The Physical Methods and Agents Program provides hands-on training in physical assessment and physical medicine modalities. Included in the course are:
- The evaluation of soft tissue pathologies
- Orthopaedic testing
- Structural analysis
- Gait analysis, and the examination and assessment of the vertebral column, pelvis, and peripheral joints
The principles and practice of goniometry and manual muscle testing are introduced. Various systems of soft tissue and osseous manipulation are taught, such as:
- Swedish massage
- Manual lymph drainage
- Trigger point therapy
- Strain/counterstrain
- Fascial release therapy
- Joint mobilization
Training in preventive and therapeutic exercise provides a foundation in the principles, techniques and therapeutic application of exercise and stretching for an improved relationship to one’s body. A patient can experience strides in their strength, coordination, balance, posture, ergonomics, relaxation, and cardiovascular training.
The following seven courses comprise the physical methods and agents program:
Manual Therapies
Surveys the electrotherapeutic modalities, such as ultrasound, TENS and laser, and their application in a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders, and pain management. The hydrotherapy component provides students an in-depth understanding of the physiological principles of hydrotherapeutic treatment and the skills to properly apply various hydrotherapeutic procedures, including constitutional hydrotherapy and contrast hydrotherapy.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
Focuses on the rehabilitative education of patients with injured tissues, and the maintenance of healthy ones.
Naturopathic Manipulation I-V
Naturopathic Manipulation is a four-part series of courses that provide a solid basis for the practitioner to determine the need for and perform the specific spinal and peripheral adjustments of joints in the body. The primary focus of this modality is the spinal column.
Soft Tissue Mobilizations
You will develop the knowledge and skills required to give a therapeutic massage treatment for the purpose of improving overall wellness, reducing stress, relieving muscle tension, increasing flexibility and decreasing pain. Various systems of soft tissue mobilization are taught such as Swedish Massage, Tapotement, Myofascial Release, and Trigger Point Therapy. The principals and practice of proper draping and pillow support are taught as well as fundamental biomechanics to ensure therapist safety while conducting treatment.
Physical Medicine I-III
Provides lecture-style and hands-on training in physical assessment and pathology recognition. You will learn core patient assessment methods, including patient history, postural assessment, detailed palpation, range of motion assessment, orthopaedic testing, diagnostic imaging, and basic patient management. Engaged learning is applied with patient simulation exercises and practical clinical examinations.
Traditional Asian Medicine I – IX
This series of courses provides a working knowledge of philosophy, theories of diagnosis, and therapeutic concepts and techniques of Traditional Asian Medicine. It emphasizes and demonstrates the use of acupuncture, tongue and pulse diagnosis, five-element theory, and the basic use of Asian botanicals.
