The NCBNT exists to uphold professional standards and public trust in the practice of natural therapies across Canada. Certified practitioners—including those practicing modalities such as shiatsu, reflexology, acupressure, aromatherapy, and other hands-on holistic methods—must commit to the following ethical principles in all professional conduct.

1. Commitment to Professional Competence

  • Deliver services based on sound knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and natural therapy principles.
  • Engage in ongoing continuing education to remain current with evolving practices and professional standards.
  • Provide services only within the scope of one’s training, certification, and applicable provincial regulatory limits.

2. Client-Centred Care and Informed Consent

  • Place the client’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being at the forefront of all services.
  • Obtain clear, informed, and voluntary consent before initiating treatment or making changes to any care plan.
  • Explain the purpose, nature, benefits, risks, and limitations of all procedures clearly and in accessible language.

3. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping

  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all client communications, records, and health information, except where disclosure is required by law.
  • Store client records securely in accordance with Canadian privacy legislation (e.g., PIPEDA or applicable provincial laws).
  • Provide clients access to their own records upon request.

4. Respectful and Ethical Client-Practitioner Relationships

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times to protect client safety and trust.
  • Refrain from engaging in any romantic, sexual, or otherwise exploitative relationships with current clients.
  • Do not initiate or continue a client-practitioner relationship where a conflict of interest, power imbalance, or dual relationship could compromise professional judgment or objectivity.
  • Avoid treating close friends or family members unless absolutely necessary, and only with full transparency and appropriate documentation.

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Non-Discrimination

  • Provide respectful and inclusive care regardless of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, or socioeconomic background.
  • Honour and acknowledge the diverse cultural traditions and healing practices of Indigenous and multicultural communities in Canada.

6. Professional Conduct and Business Ethics

  • Use accurate, honest, and respectful language in all professional communications, including marketing, advertising, and social media.
  • Clearly disclose all fees, cancellation policies, and treatment expectations prior to service delivery.
  • Do not offer services or products with misleading claims or unsubstantiated health benefits.

7. Interprofessional Collaboration and Referral

  • Cooperate respectfully with other healthcare professionals for the benefit of the client.
  • Refer clients to qualified medical or mental health professionals when conditions fall outside the practitioner’s scope of practice or competence.
  • Do not discourage clients from seeking conventional medical care when appropriate or necessary.

8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance (Canadian Context)

  • Comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws and public health regulations.
  • Adhere to workplace and practice-specific standards, including those related to hygiene, insurance coverage, accessibility, and infection prevention.
  • Ensure that all insurance claims (if applicable) are truthful, accurate, and compliant with Canadian standards.

9. Accountability and Disciplinary Measures

  • Practitioners found in violation of this Code of Ethics may be subject to investigation, censure, suspension, or revocation of NCBNT certification.
  • Practitioners have an ethical obligation to report serious breaches of conduct by other certified professionals to the NCBNT.