A naturopathic doctor (ND), also known as a naturopathic doctor (NMD) or naturopathic physician, is a health care provider who practices various types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). NDs generally prioritize a preventative and holistic approach to medical care over traditional treatments such as prescription drugs.
As primary health care providers, NDs can diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions. They focus on treating the root cause and may offer herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, and massage therapy in addition to counseling and stress reduction techniques. Some of these treatments are based on clinical evidence, while others remain controversial.
Naturopathic medicine first developed in Germany and other parts of Europe in the 19th century. It focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, and treating the “whole patient.”
Principles of natural therapy
Naturopathic doctors adhere to the following medical principles:
- First, do no harm: We start with the most natural and least invasive treatments and refer patients to another provider if a treatment is outside of our scope of practice.
- Nature’s healing power: If possible, use natural substances such as herbs to treat health conditions. Promotes the body’s self-healing ability.
- Identify and treat the cause: We don’t just treat the symptoms, we find and treat the underlying root cause of your symptoms.
- Doctor as teacher: Empower patients to take responsibility for their health while respecting the value of the doctor-patient relationship.
- Treat the whole person: We treat patients not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
- Prevention: Support health by helping patients practice healthy lifestyle habits.
Treatment
The scope of what a naturopathic doctor can provide depends on their specialty, training, and state regulations and limitations. These work in different ways, including:
- Nutritional therapy: Nutrition is a core element of natural therapy and may include a specific diet plan.
- Plant medicine: Also known as herbal medicine, this approach uses plants or plant-derived substances, for example in the form of supplements.
- Homeopathic medicine: This controversial medical system is based on “like cures like” (using substances that cause symptoms similar to those being treated) and the “law of the lowest dose” (using very diluted drugs). It is centered around two theories:
- Manipulative therapy: Hands-on therapies include massage therapy (manipulating soft tissue, usually by applying soothing pressure to different parts of the body) and craniosacral therapy (manipulating the head, neck, and neck to relieve pressure and tension in joints and symphysis). , applying gentle pressure to your back). organization).
- Lifestyle management: This may include environmental factors such as sleep and exercise habits, relationships, stressors, and possible exposure to toxins.
- Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, this form of mental health treatment helps you process your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- acupuncture: A type of traditional Chinese medicine (TMC), this technique involves inserting small needles into the skin to stimulate specific energy points in the body.
Naturopathic doctors and medical doctors (MDs) must be licensed to practice medicine. However, they have different training, and different levels of training.
NDs must be licensed to practice natural medicine. This requires:
- Complete a federally accredited four-year naturopathic medical school program (accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education)
- Receive a certain amount of practical clinical training
- Pass the Naturopathic Practitioner Licensing Exam (NPLEX)
The doctor should:
- Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Complete a four-year medical school program
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and obtain your state license
- Participate in a training program (3-7 years depending on program and specialty)
- Earn your board certification by passing the board certification exam (optional)
Naturopathic doctors have much of the same biomedical training as traditional medical students, including anatomy, immunology, and biochemistry, and provide many of the services that physicians perform. For example, they may prescribe certain medications, administer vaccines, or order diagnostic tests (such as imaging tests or blood tests). Some naturopathic doctors perform minor surgeries.
However, naturopathic doctors do not perform major surgeries or prescribe controlled substances. We also do not offer more invasive treatments such as chemotherapy. If your ND cannot provide the treatment you need, they will likely refer you to another provider.
Naturopathic doctors provide primary care to both individuals and families. According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), people frequently report visiting naturopathic doctors for treatment of the following symptoms and conditions:
In some cases, NDs work as part of an integrated team that includes several different healthcare providers. For example, we may provide complementary treatment to people who have a chronic disease such as cancer or diabetes (a disease that occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal) and are receiving more traditional treatment.
In the United States, you can find licensed naturopathic physicians in the AANP online database. You may also be able to ask your health care provider for a recommendation.
As of 2023, naturopathic doctors are licensed to treat patients in 23 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In certain states, such as Tennessee and South Carolina, it is illegal to practice naturopathic medicine.
Not all naturopathic doctors accept insurance. However, many he NDs offer sliding fee scales and payment plans. Check with your insurance plan and health care provider to see if your treatment will be covered.
What to Expect When Visiting a Naturopathic Doctor
Your first visit with a naturopathic doctor usually involves a thorough evaluation lasting 60 to 90 minutes. In addition to your current symptoms, your ND may ask about:
- family medical history
- personal health history
- Medications and supplements you are currently taking
- diet
- physical activity
- sleep
- mental health
- relationships
- Current stress factors
- energy level
After your first visit, you and your ND can develop a care plan together based on your unique health goals. This may include hands-on therapies such as spinal manipulation and acupuncture, as well as lifestyle changes such as changes to your diet and exercise habits.
How to prepare for a visit to a naturopathic doctor
Your initial visit with your ND may be a more thorough and detailed examination than you would expect during a regular physical exam. Before seeing a naturopathic doctor, think about your health goals, such as reducing certain symptoms, improving energy levels, or improving the quality of your sleep.
You will probably need to prepare some documents in advance. Here’s what you need to bring or send to your NP before your appointment:
- medical records
- family medical history
- List of medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Current symptoms or health concerns
- What you eat on a typical day and whether you notice any symptoms after eating certain foods
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are health care providers who practice various types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). NDs generally prioritize a preventive, holistic approach to patient diagnosis and treatment and provide many of the services that MDs perform. For example, they may prescribe certain medications, administer vaccines, or order diagnostic tests (such as imaging tests or blood tests).
If you want to improve your overall health and well-being using lifestyle changes and alternative medicine, you may want to consider visiting a naturopathic doctor. Many people prefer working with a naturopathic doctor to reduce the risk of potential health conditions in the future. NDs may also be helpful if you have symptoms that don’t respond to traditional treatments.
