Choosing a naturopathic primary care doctor is a great option if you are looking for a holistic and natural way to stay healthy.
Naturopathic & traditional doctors
Similar to an MD, licensed naturopathic doctors attend four-year graduate level naturopathic medical schools and are educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD. But NDs also study holistic and nontoxic approaches with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and wellness. This allows them to provide comprehensive health care that combines both conventional and naturopathic medicine.
Treating the whole person
NDs take a multifaceted approach to health care, treating their patients physically, emotionally and mentally. The foundation of naturopathic medicine is the belief in the body’s own ability to restore and maintain good health. Instead of using pills and surgery to fix a health problem, NDs dig deeper and try to discover the problem’s root cause. They then recommend natural, nutritional and lifestyle techniques to help the body heal itself and continue to stay healthy.
Expert care for the whole family
Like any conventional family doctor, NDs provide pediatric, adolescent and adult primary care. They also provide a wide range of women’s health care services. NDs are fully trained to treat most medical conditions. Common issues they see include allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Nutrient and botanical medicines
If medications are needed, naturopaths believe in first focusing on nutrient and botanical medicines. But they understand some illnesses require conventional pharmaceuticals. Naturopathic physicians are trained to recognize and use these treatments when needed.
Getting to know you
An appointment with a naturopathic doctor usually takes longer than an appointment with a traditional MD. NDs take the time to ask questions and discuss your overall health goals. They learn your health history, discuss diet and exercise, alcohol and tobacco use and the stress levels in your life. It’s not unusual for your first visit with an ND to last one to two hours. Follow up visits can range from 30 to 60 minutes. After getting to know you, your naturopathic doctor will create an individualized plan designed to help you maintain optimal health.
