Naturopathic doctors (NDs), also called doctor of naturalopathic medical treatment (NMDs) also known as Naturopathic doctors, are healthcare professionals who practice a variety of forms of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM). The majority of NDs focus on holistic and preventative approaches to medical care over more traditional therapies, including prescription medications.
As primary healthcare professionals, NDs can diagnose and treat a variety of health issues. They concentrate on treating the underlying reasons and offer herbal medicines, nutrition therapy, massage therapy, as well as counselling and techniques to reduce stress. Some of these treatments are based on clinical evidence, while others are not.
How Does a Naturopathic Physician Practice?
The practice of Naturopathic Medicine first emerged in Germany and in other parts of Europe in the 18th century. It is a focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and promoting health, in addition to the treatment of patients who are “whole patients.”
Naturopathic Concepts
Naturopathic doctors follow the following medical principles for treatment:
- Initial Do No Harm: Start with the most natural and least invasive treatments and recommend the patient to a different medical professional if there is something that is not within the scope of your expertise.
- A Healing Power of Nature: Utilize natural ingredients, like herbs, to treat ailments when it is possible. Help the body recover itself.
- Diagnose and treat the Root Causes: Find and treat the possible cause of the condition instead of just treating symptoms.
- Doc as teacher: Recognize the significance of the doctor-patient relationship, while encouraging patients to assume the responsibility for their health.
- Treat the whole person: Treat patients emotionally and mentally, as well as physically.
- Preventive: Promote health and wellness by helping patients adopt healthy lifestyles.
Treatment Approaches
The range of services that the naturopathic doctor can provide depends on their specific area of expertise and education, in addition to the regulations and limitations in their respective states. They are able to practice in a range of different modalities that include:
- The practice of nutrition: is an essential part of naturopathy. It can contain specific diet plans.
- The Botanical Medical Method: Also known as herbal medicine, this method makes use of plants or compounds derived from plants, for example, in supplements.
- Homeopathic medicines: This controversial medical system is based on two theories-“like cures similar to” (use an ingredient that causes symptoms that are similar to the illness that is being addressed), as well as “law of minimum doses” (use extremely diluted drugs).
- Manipulative Therapy: Hands-on therapy might include massage therapy (manipulation of soft tissue, typically by applying gentle pressure to various parts that comprise your body) and craniosacral therapies (applying gentle pressure on your neck, head, and back in order to lessen tension and compression in connective tissue and joints).
- Life management: could include exercise and sleep routines, relationships, stressors, and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic substances.
- Psychotherapy: referred to as talk therapy. This kind of treatment for mental health helps you deal with your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
- Acupuncture: a variant of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This method involves inserting tiny needles into your skin to stimulate certain energy points within your body.
Medical Doctor vs. Naturopathic Doctor
Naturopathic doctors, as well as medical doctors (MDs), require licenses in order to practise medicine. However, they have various degrees of education.
NDs require an official license to practice natural medicines. The following requirements must be met:
- You must complete a four-year federally accredited naturopathic medical school (accredited through the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, or CNME, which is acknowledged as a prestigious institution by the United States Department of Education)
- Get a certain amount of practical clinical training
- Pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX)
MDs should do the following:
- Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Complete an all-year medical school degree
- Successfully pass an exam called the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to be licensed by the state.
- Take part in a residency (3-7 years, depending on the specialty and program)
- Exams for board certification to be board-certified (optional)
Naturopathic doctors receive many of the same courses in biomedical sciences as traditional medical students, which include anatomy, immunology, and biochemistry. They offer many of the same services as MDs offer. For example, they may prescribe medicines, prescribe vaccines, and even request diagnostic lab tests (such as blood and imaging tests). Certain naturopathic doctors also carry out minor surgeries.
However, naturopathic doctors do not do major surgeries and don’t prescribe medications controlled by the FDA. They also don’t provide more aggressive treatments, like chemotherapy. Your ND is likely to send you to a different health professional if they are unable to offer the treatment you require.
Which Conditions Can a Naturopathic Physician Treat and Diagnose?
Naturopathic doctors offer primary care for families and individuals. Based on the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), patients frequently have reported going to NDs to treat ailments and symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal issues (conditions that affect digestion)
- Infertility
- Menopausal symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms
- CFS, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. CFS (a persistent condition that manifests as symptoms like intense, continuous fatigue, sleep issues, muscular pain, and cognitive problems)
- Allergies
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia (a chronic illness that can cause symptoms like all over the body, tiredness, and trouble sleeping)
- Heart disease
- Respiratory problems
In certain situations, NDs serve as part of an integrative team made up of various healthcare professionals. They could, for instance, provide complementary treatment to someone who is suffering from cancer or has an ongoing condition such as diabetes (a disease that manifests when you are experiencing higher than normal amounts of blood sugar, also known as blood sugar) that is being treated with traditional treatment.
Visiting a Naturopathic Physician
In the United States, you can find a naturopathic physician who is licensed in the AANP online database. It is also possible to request recommendations from your primary care physician.
Since 2023, Naturopathic doctors have been certified to treat patients across 23 states, in addition to in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is not legal for naturopathic doctors to practise in some states, like Tennessee, as well as South Carolina.
Some naturopathic physicians do not accept insurance. However, a majority of NDs provide sliding scale charges as well as payment options. Contact your insurance company and your healthcare provider to determine whether your medical needs are covered.
What to Expect during a Naturopathic Physician Visit
Your first appointment with the naturopathic physician will generally be a thorough examination lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Your ND will ask questions about your current health issues and also your
- Family medical background
- Health history of the individual
- Current medicines and supplements
- Diet
- Physical physical
- Sleep
- Mental health
- Relationships
- Current stressors
- Energy levels
After your first visit, your ND could develop a program of treatment that is based on your individual health objectives. This could include hands-on therapies that include manipulation of the spine or acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments like modifications to your diet or workout routine.
How to Get Ready for a Naturopathic Physician Visit
The first time you visit an ND might be more extensive and thorough than you’d think from a routine visit. Before you visit a naturopathic physician, consider your health goals, such as the relief of specific symptoms, improved energy levels that are improved, or better quality sleep.
You will likely need to fill out certain forms prior to your appointment. Here are some things to carry with you, or give to the NP prior to the appointment:
- Medical medical records
- Family medical background
- A list of medicines and supplements you are currently taking
- Health concerns or current symptoms
- What foods do you consume on the course of a day, and if you experience any symptoms after eating certain food items