Sharing the Light: An Interview with Dr. Verna Hunt

Have you ever been in the awe-inspiring presence of a living legend? Dr. Verna Hunt, a chiropractor and naturopathic doctor in Ontario and graduate of what is now known as the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, carries with her the flame of wisdom — and she is more than happy to share the light.

As a graduate of National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL, and one of only seven naturopathic doctors among nearly one hundred chiropractors in my cohort, I have a special love for physical medicine and the value of touch. Part of me has suspected that this is in large part because of the heavy chiropractic influence of my alma mater. Now I’m learning that this isn’t necessarily true; according to Dr. Verna Hunt, physical medicine is actually a huge part of our tradition as naturopaths.

The trouble with hands-on modalities is that unless you’ve got a skilled mentor to apprentice with, they’re difficult to execute properly, and can be daunting to even attempt. But Dr. Hunt and other light bearers in our community are trying to change all that with the Naturopathic Legacy Project, a continuing education series of how-to videos, archived class notes, and out-of-print books, which preserve this all-too-important medicine for future generations.

A Bearer of Light

When asked about her own personal philosophy regarding teaching and collective wisdom, she states, “My candle’s already lit, I lose nothing by lighting yours. We just get more light.” Truer words have never been spoken, particularly about the dissemination of knowledge and cultivation of love for naturopathic medicine…and suddenly I’m feeling all the feels. #NDlove

Have some time to sip on tea and bathe in Dr. Hunt’s font of wisdom? Check out the full interview and feast on some clinical pearls she’s collected over decades of chiropractic and naturopathic clinical care. Learn why she lives by the rule of “When in Doubt, Have a Bath,” why she feels that naturopathic medicine is truly holographic, and why she’ll never call herself a healer.

Many thanks to Dr. Verna Hunt for sitting down with us to talk naturopathic shop, and for her many years of devotion to the medicine. We are truly honored to light our candles with you today.

Learn More

Visit the Naturopathic Legacy Project (hosted by the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors)!

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Sarah E Ouano ND

After graduating from National University of Health Sciences (IL) as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in 2011, Sarah completed a residency in Seattle, WA, which focused on infectious disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder. While there, she also served as a volunteer physician at an LGBTQIA homeless shelter, acting as a primary care physician for both youth and adult patients. In 2016, she completed a term of AmeriCorps VISTA service, and has since become heavily invested in the intersection of public health and social justice, and how an individual’s health picture shapes a community.