Dr. Tracey Ann Folkard

Dr. Folkard provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Holistic strategies to enhance joint function and quality of life for individuals with chronic pain or arthritis.
• Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management): A comprehensive approach to manage chronic headaches or migraines by looking at underlying causes and providing supportive natural therapies.

Stress Anxiety Sleep Support

• Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Natural remedies and lifestyle strategies to help you fall asleep more easily, stay asleep, and wake feeling refreshed.
• Anxiety & Mood Support: Supporting mental and emotional well-being with botanical medicines, nutritional interventions, and lifestyle adjustments.
• Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Utilizing adaptogenic herbs, nutritional support, and lifestyle counseling to help your body cope with stress more effectively.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Folkard can assess your needs.

• Hydrotherapy: Application of constitutional hydrotherapy or other water-based treatments to enhance vitality and support the body's natural healing capacity.
• Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Expert guidance on therapeutic diets, identifying food sensitivities or intolerances, and optimizing your nutritional status for better health outcomes.
• Women's Health & Hormone Balancing: Holistic management of hormonal imbalances using nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle interventions tailored for women.
• Pediatric Naturopathic Care (if specialized): Supporting children's optimal growth and development with age-appropriate naturopathic therapies and nutritional guidance.
• Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Prescription of evidence-based plant-derived medicines (herbs) in various forms (tinctures, teas, capsules) to support specific body systems and treat health conditions.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Folkard. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

At The Natural Path S.S.M., naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Folkard frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from skin problems like eczema, acne, or psoriasis that aren't improving and achieved receiving a clear, personalized, and actionable plan to follow for their health journey under the skilled care of Dr. Folkard. This renewed well-being often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as feeling strong and capable in their body for everyday tasks and new challenges with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Dr. Folkard to witness patients resolve sports injuries that need help healing naturally and experience better blood sugar control and stability. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably again.
• Patients struggling with struggling with anxiety or feeling down more often than not find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Folkard. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a dramatic reduction in their reliance on over-the-counter pain medication, which is a huge win for them, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes with sustained energy.
• Dealing with the ongoing effects of looking for natural ways to support my body's healing? Dr. Folkard partners with patients to achieve improved concentration, memory recall, and overall productivity. This involves a holistic approach, aiming to restore balance so you can confidently resume important aspects of your life, such as tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence and energy.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Folkard, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. Folkard's practice at The Natural Path S.S.M. is situated in the vibrant Downtown, Central neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie. The clinic is conveniently located near Algoma Steel and is easily accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. Whether you're coming from nearby areas or the surrounding community, you'll find our location easily reachable. Our clinic offers welcoming and accessible facilities, with street parking and nearby paid lots providing convenient options for visitors.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral, as direct access is allowed in the province. However, while a referral is not legally required to *see* an ND, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is strongly recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance plan before your first appointment to ensure coverage and smooth processing.

Does The Natural Path S.S.M. offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?

Yes, The Natural Path S.S.M. offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance companies. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance cards and verify their coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, and any referral requirements, directly with their insurer, as plans vary. Any costs not covered by insurance are the responsibility of the patient.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Both Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) and Medical Doctors (MDs) are healthcare providers, but their approaches and primary scopes differ. MDs focus on diagnosing and treating diseases mainly through pharmaceuticals and surgery, while Naturopathic Doctors emphasize prevention, natural therapies, and addressing the root causes of illness. Naturopathic Doctors utilize treatments such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. In many cases, both can collaborate to provide comprehensive care. The scope and regulation of Naturopathic Doctors vary by province.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first Naturopathic appointment?

It is helpful to bring recent laboratory tests (within the last year or two), a comprehensive list of medications and supplements (including doses and brands), and your extended health insurance information. Completing any intake forms provided by the clinic beforehand can also save time during your appointment.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

The initial appointment involves a thorough assessment of your health history and current symptoms. Dr. Folkard will seek to understand you as a whole person, often including a physical examination relevant to your concerns. Together, you will discuss initial findings and develop a plan that may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and natural therapies to support your health goals.

What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at The Natural Path S.S.M. treat?

Our Naturopathic Doctors address a wide range of health concerns, focusing on identifying and treating the root causes. This includes, but is not limited to, digestive health issues, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, allergies, stress-related problems, and sleep disturbances. Treatments often involve Hydrotherapy, Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling, lifestyle counseling, and patient education tailored to individual needs.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Naturopathic services provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients should anticipate paying out-of-pocket for consultations. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for naturopathic services, so it’s advisable to check your insurance policy details. The level of coverage varies significantly between plans.

The Natural Path S.S.M.
1415 Queen St E
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 2G1

Phone: (705) 254-1080

Dr. Tracey Ann Folkard is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 0839

Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.