Naturopathy
Naturopathic Medicine:
What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic doctors are trained to be primary care doctors who work with patients with a different philosophy than conventional Medical doctors. Naturopathic Doctors complete a four year medical training that includes a rigorous clinical education. In licensed states Naturopathic doctors are able to:
diagnose patients
order all diagnostic studies including blood work, X-rays, MRI scans
prescribe pharmaceutical drugs (the formulary will change depending on the licensing state)
perform minor surgery
OBGYN exams including pap /smears and colposcopy
Even deliver babies
How are Naturopathic Doctors and conventional Medical Doctors similar?
Both Naturopathic and conventional Medical Doctors must complete a four year medical school training after having obtained a bachelors degree. Similar to conventional Medical Doctors, Naturopathic Doctors are vigorously trained in western sciences such as: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Histology, Microbiology and Immunology. Additionally Naturopathic doctors are trained in Western diagnostic methods such as standard blood tests, diagnostic imaging, and physical exams. Like Medical doctors, Naturopathic doctors have intensive hands on learning in the clinical setting. Naturopathic doctors are well trained in many conventional medical skills such as: minor surgery, Conventional medical diagnosis and disease patterns, phlebotomy (blood draws) and IV therapy. Both Naturopathic Doctors and Medical Doctors must pass intensive national board exams in both clinical and basic sciences.
What makes Naturopathic Doctors unique?
In many ways the easiest way to describe what makes a Naturopathic Doctor different is by describing the therapeutic modalities that are commonly used. These include herbs, nutritional supplements, homeopathics, hydrotherapy, IV therapy dietary and lifestyle counseling. However, every Naturopathic Doctor will choose different therapeutic modalities to concentrate on.
What makes Naturopathic Doctors truly unique is the philosophy that unites the medicine together. The first premise is that the natural state of the body is health, and that the body has an incredible innate ability to heal itself. Secondly is the incredible power of nature to heal the body. Finally, that the job of the doctor is to find the root cause of the illness and not just suppress symptoms. In order to achieve these goals the Naturopathic doctor will address the entire person as a whole–mind, body, emotion and spirit. Each patient will receive a unique treatment plan that is specifically tailored to them.
Finally, Naturopath’s are distinctively situated to be an important part of your health care team due to their intensive training in both western medical sciences and traditional healing forms.
Is Naturopathic Medicine and Conventional Medicine compatable?
Yes. Naturopathic treatment often makes conventional medical treatment more effective and decreases unwanted side effects. Naturopathic doctors are highly trained in harmful drug – herb and drug – supplement interactions. Naturopathic doctors are able to work with your conventional Medical doctor to provide you with the most comprehensive health care possible.