The cornerstone of Naturopathic Medicine is a belief in the body's inherent ability to heal itself when given comprehensive and individualized support. In an effort to provide optimal support for self-healing, Naturopathic Medicine combines nutritional and lifestyle changes with the most cutting-edge, evidence-based therapies, both modern and traditional, to enhance the body's ability to withstand and prevent illness. The Naturopathic approach views the patient as a whole person, intricate and interconnected, as opposed to separate body parts. A patient who chooses Naturopathic Medicine as an integral part of his or her care will receive a great deal of time and attention at appointments, comprehensive treatment plans, and individualized therapies that target all body systems. Patients find that this approach not only improves their overall health significantly but also has the effect of saving them time and money as a result of the proactive measures taken by Naturopathic Doctors to help patients improve their overall health.

Naturopathic Medicine is guided by the following six underlying principles: 

Let nature heal: Restore the body's innate ability to heal by removing the obstacles to well being

Identify and treat cause: Treat the root cause of illness instead of covering up symptoms, as masking symptoms will only ensure that they return, usually worse than before. 

First do no harm: Use low risk highly effective therapeutics, such as the highest quality supplements, herbal remedies and homeopathics with low-to-no side effects. Individualize treatment, respecting the different and unique needs of the patient

Educate the patient: Inform patients about healthy lifestyle choices and self-advocacy so that they can take an active role in their own health.

Treat the whole person:  Address the unique physical, social, emotional, genetic, and environmental factors that influence an individual's overall health, because a human being is far more complex than just the sum of his or her symptoms. 

Prevent Illness: Evaluate multiple risk factors and look at a patient’s case from all angles to ensure the most preventative and proactive approach when developing a treatment plan.

 

What is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors are the only providers of natural medicine that have physician-level training. When choosing an ND, it is very important that a patient ask where the physician completed his training and to see the physician's medical license. A medical license is not only a degree from a medical school, but also a document from a state regulatory agency certifying that the physician has met all requirements for licensure, including all academic and board examination requirements. A qualified ND will have undergone rigorous training in a four-year naturopathic medical program at a naturopathic medical school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). There are seven accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. NDs receive more hours of classroom training than those who attend conventional medical programs because, in addition to completing a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic students receive additional coursework in natural therapeutic modalities. Upon graduation from one of these accredited colleges, an ND must sit for a rigorous licensure exam, the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX), administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE), to acquire licensure. Upon earning these credentials, a Licensed ND might be referred to as any of the following: Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic Physician, Naturopath, Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD), or simply ND. Regardless of the title a practitioner uses, a licensed ND should always display a state medical license and accredited medical school diploma in his or her place of practice. Licensed NDs treat and/or advise on all medical conditions and provide both individual and family care. Conditions that licensed Naturopathic Physicians typically treat include, but are not limited to: allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

NDs are trained in the use of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical interactions with natural products; however, most NDs choose to use natural remedies instead of pharmaceuticals because they find these more effective in accomplishing long term results and healing the source instead of masking the symptoms.

Because ND's are thoroughly trained in all aspects of medical care, they have many diagnostic tools at their disposal and are well versed in both conventional and traditional natural medicine.  It is their additional education in natural therapeutics that helps ND's offer a wider range of diagnostic tools and medical treatments. 

Most patients are surprised at how much time an ND will take at every visit, and especially at the first appointment. An ND will take a complete health history and may perform physical exam to gather information that that will help him or her customize a comprehensive treatment plan. If appropriate, an ND might also refer a patient to another specialist with whom the ND will collaborate on the patient's care. An initial visit with an ND usually takes an hour or more, while follow-up visits are usually 30 minutes long.