What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is a whole-person approach to regaining health and well-being by addressing all of the complex contributors to both health and disease that we each experience differently. We use science-based natural therapies that work with the body, focusing on the cause of disease to facilitate the most effective and efficient return to health.
Naturopathic medicine is a medical tradition that is guided by a unique philosophy and set of principles, underlined by a belief in the healing power of nature. This type of healthcare blends the latest in medical research with time-tested healing traditions from across the globe. Naturopathic medicine recognizes that illness can result from a wide variety of causes, each of which are specific to the individual. Patients are therefore treated as complex individuals, incorporating environmental, physical, genetic, nutritional, emotional, mental and spiritual contributors to their health and wellbeing as well as their specific lifestyle and attitudes into the understanding of their illness. Assessment of these factors is then translated into the most appropriate and effective therapies tailored to each person, whether that be strictly Naturopathic care, or an integrative approach. The methods of treatment used in Naturopathic Medicine are natural and non-invasive, in an effort to facilitate the body to heal itself and return to balance. A major part of the Naturopathic approach to health is the strong emphasis on education and prevention: learning, adopting and maintaining good health habits to avoid developing disease.
Education
Naturopathic Doctors are required to complete a bachelor’s degree along with the standard pre-medical undergraduate coursework to be eligible for admission to Naturopathic medical school. There are only 6 accredited Naturopathic medical colleges in
Naturopathic medical programs are similar in structure to that of conventional medical and osteopathic programs. The four years of training includes education in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, embryology, histology, microbiology, neurology, radiology, cardiology, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, psychology, dermatology, sports medicine, minor surgery, and the laboratory, clinical and physical diagnostic sciences. Naturopathic doctors are additionally trained in Naturopathic philosophy and modalities. These modalities include nutrition, supplementation, environmental medicine, physical manipulative techniques, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, therapeutic exercise, physiotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and mind-body medicine.
Who are Naturopathic Doctors in
The ability of any given ND to provide certain methods of treatments or be allowed to practice to the extent of our training depends on the licensing status of the particular state in which they live. In states that have not yet granted licensure to Naturopathic doctors (including Massachusetts), practitioners act as natural healthcare consultants or may practice under the license of another licensed practitioner such as an MD or a DO, providing adjunct care to patients. In accordance with the legal limitations of the state, NDs in
The states that currently license Naturopathic Doctors include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington state, and Washington DC. The licensing effort for many states, including
Therapy Modalities
Do I need to stop seeing my Primary Care Physician?
No. Naturopathic Doctors in
Do I need to stop taking my medications?
No. Decreasing or eliminating your need for prescription pharmaceuticals can be a particular goal, but it is not required for you to seek adjunct Naturopathic care.
What do Naturopathic Doctors treat?
Naturopathic Doctors are trained as general practitioners who address the entire person. As a result, we see men, women and children with acute and/or chronic disease challenges. Our holistic approach and philosophy gives us a unique advantage in addressing conditions that are complex and affect a variety of different body systems and areas of your life. Such conditions include but are not limited to:
General: fatigue, insomnia, weight management, allergies, autoimmune
Mental/Emotional: depression, anxiety, autism, ADD/ADHD, ‘brain fog’
Ears/Nose/Throat: sore throat, ear infections, sinus infection, recurrent or chronic colds or infections
Cardiovascular: palpitations, high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol
Respiratory: asthma, infections, allergies
Gastrointestinal: constipation, diarrhea, infections, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, gallstones, hepatitis, colitis, ulcers, hemorrhoids
Musculoskeletal: joint pain/strain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, injury, tendonitis, osteopenia/osteoporosis, gout, muscle pain/strain
Dermatologic: acne, eczema, psoriasis, rash, rosacea
Neurological: headaches, migraines, sciatica
Endocrine/Metabolic: thyroid disorders, diabetes
Women’s health: menopause, vaginal infections, bladder infections, interstitial cystitis, PMS, fibroids, PCOS
Men’s health: BPH, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, kidney stones