Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and cutting-edge natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ ability to ward off and combat disease. Naturopathic physicians craft comprehensive treatment plans that blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches to not only treat disease, but also to restore health. The naturopathic doctor is the facilitator, while the patient is the true healer.

How is a naturopathic doctor licensed?

Licensed naturopathic physicians have attended four-year professional-level programs at accredited institutions, where they have been educated in the same basic sciences as allopathic physicians.

While earning their degree, doctors of naturopathic medicine learn virtually all the modalities of proven natural therapies, including, but not limited to; clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, lifestyle counseling, massage, physical medicine and hydrotherapy.

What are the differences between a naturopathic doctor and a medical doctor?

Naturopathic physicians encourage patients to take personal responsibility for their own health. They support patients in this by teaching them the steps necessary to create and monitor their own wellness. NDs strive to find the underlying cause of a patient’s illness, rather than treat the symptoms exclusively. Recognizing that each body is unique, naturopathic doctors tailor their treatments to meet the individual needs of each patient.

Their diagnoses and therapeutics are science based and increasingly evidence based. While the training and approach of ND’s is progressive, they practice in ways reminiscent of old-fashioned family doctors. They take the time and effort to learn about each patient and his/her family. This means seeing fewer patients a day. Naturopathic physicians commonly spend 60 to 90 minutes per patient visit, listening to patient concerns, diagnosing and treating each patient as an individual. This is a practice that benefits both patient and doctor.

Because naturopathic medicine acknowledges and respects the interconnection of all living things, naturopathic doctors bring a social consciousness to their work and personal lives. They are involved in wellness education, public health concerns and volunteer programs in their communities. Many advocate for the recognition of natural medicine as an affordable, effective medicine for underserved communities domestically and abroad. They often support environmental causes, such as the preservation of ancient forests as untapped resources for botanical medicines.

Will I have to choose between either my medical doctor or my naturopathic doctor?

Absolutely not. Naturopathic doctors believe in a team approach. Because they view natural remedies as both complementary and primary NDs cooperate with other medical professionals, referring patients to allopathic medical doctors, surgeons and other specialists whenever appropriate.

With the use of natural medicine steadily on the rise, more people are realizing that both natural and conventional approaches together can play a significant and instrumental role in meeting most of their health care needs. Patients are therefore seeking integrative approaches to managing their own health.