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| FAQ | FAQ: Naturopathic Medicine |
| Frequently
Asked Questions: Naturopathic
Medicine |
|
• Is naturopathic medicine new?
• Is naturopathic medicine scientific?
• What is the education of a naturopathic
physician?
• How is naturopathic medicine different
from conventional medicine?
• What treatments does a naturopathic
physician employ?
• How is a Naturopathic doctor different
from a Homeopath?
• Are naturopathic physicians opposed
to drugs and major surgery?
• How do ND's interact with other health
professionals?
• Are there unlicensed "naturopaths" in
the U.S?
• Is naturopathic medicine covered by
insurance?
• I am seeing a medical doctor (MD).
Should I tell the physicians about each other?
• What is an appointment with a naturopathic
physician like?
• How many times will I have to see my
Naturopathic doctor?
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| Is
naturopathic medicine new? |
|
|
| Naturopathic
medicine is as old as healing itself and as new as the latest
discoveries in medical sciences. In 400 B.C., Hippocrates, who
is often considered the earliest predecessor of contemporary
medicine, stated that “nature is the healer of all diseases”.
The word “physician” originates from the Greek root
meaning “from nature.” |
|
In the US, naturopathic medicine has been a distinct healthcare
profession for over 100 years. By the early 20th century,
more than 20 naturopathic medical colleges existed in US and
naturopathic physicians were licensed in a majority of states.
By the 1920s, naturopathic medical convention attracted more
than 10,000 practitioners. Naturopathic medicine experienced
a temporary decline in the middle of 20th century with the
rise of the pharmaceutical industry and medical technology.
Over the last three decades, more people than ever are seeking
and benefiting from naturopathic medical care, and the number
of naturopathic doctors is growing at a record rate to accommodate
this increased demand.
|
| |
| Naturopathic
medicine incorporates scientific medical advances with its own
unique body of knowledge that has evolved and was refined over
centuries. Most of the therapies that are used by naturopathic
doctors have been scientifically validated, especially in the
areas of acupuncture, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition,
homeopathy, and hydrotherapy. Research departments at naturopathic
medical schools conduct extensive clinical studies to evaluate
existing methods and develop new alternative therapies. These
studies are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
|
| What
is the education of a naturopathic physician? |
Back to Top |
|
| Naturopathic
physicians (ND) receive four-year undergraduate training in
standard pre-medical courses followed by four to five years
of graduate medical training, including a two-year clinical
internship. The rigorous academic curriculum includes training
in the medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry
and neuroscience. They are trained in clinical diagnosis, pathology
and such specific topics as pediatrics, gynecology, oncology,
dermatology and gastroenterology. Overall, academic training
in medical sciences of NDs and MDs is similar. Additionally,
NDs are trained in natural therapeutic techniques and holistic
treatment principles. In order to get licensed, NDs have to
graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical school and
pass two national board examinations. |
| How
is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine? |
Back to Top |
|
| The
main difference is in philosophical approach. Naturopathic medicine
concentrates on whole-patient wellness with emphasis on prevention,
while taking individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic,
environmental, social and other factors into account. It attempts
to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition
rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic
physicians utilize methods and medical substances which minimize
the risk of harmful side effects. More and more MDs are adopting
naturopathic remedies, but they are not trained to apply them. |
| What
treatments does a naturopathic physician employ? |
Back to Top |
|
| Naturopathic
physicians use therapies such as botanical medicine, Chinese
medicine, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, lifestyle modifications,
counseling, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, exercise
therapy, natural childbirth, minor surgery, and limited drug
therapy. They apply these treatments according to the naturopathic
principles. |
| How
is a Naturopathic doctor different from a Homeopath? |
Back to Top |
|
| Naturopathic
doctors are trained in homeopathy and utilize it as one of many
different treatments. Many Naturopathic doctors choose to specialize
in homeopathy and use it as their primary modality of choice.
Homeopaths typically practice "classical homeopathy"
which utilizes homeopathy as the one and only treatment for
the individual. |
| Are
naturopathic physicians opposed to drugs and major surgery? |
Back to Top |
|
| No.
Naturopathic physicians are not opposed to drugs or surgery
when these methods are necessary. However, for many diseases
and conditions (a few examples are ulcerative colitis, asthma,
arthritis, flu, obesity, and chronic fatigue), treatments used
by naturopathic physicians can be primary and curative. |
| How
do ND's interact with other health professionals? |
Back to Top |
|
| Naturopathic
physicians could function within an integrated framework by
cross-referring patients to and from other practitioners, such
as MDs, specialists, DOs, psychotherapists, and chiropractors.
Also, naturopathic therapies can be employed to complement conventional
medical treatments. The result is a team-care approach that
recognizes the needs of the patient to receive the best overall
treatment most appropriate to his or her specific medical condition. |
| Are
there unlicensed "naturopaths" in the U.S? |
Back to Top |
|
| Yes.
Unfortunately, not all states regulate naturopathic medicine.
This allows some people to obtain questionable degrees from
brief correspondence courses, short seminars, or from schools
that give credit for life experience and do not require clinical
training. Such degrees are not recognized by state degree-authorizing
bodies. The State of Connecticut does regulate naturopathic
medicine. It requires an ND degree from a nationally accredited
four-year naturopathic medical school and certification by a
national board. In licensing states, including Connecticut,
NDs practice under jurisprudence of the Department of Public
Health and are required to carry malpractice insurance. The
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ membership
is limited to licensed NDs. |
| Is
naturopathic medicine covered by insurance? |
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|
| Yes.
More than 90 insurance carriers provide in-network and out-of-network
coverage for naturopathic medicine. Please contact your insurance
plan directly to verify your specific coverage for complementary
and alternative medicine. Vitamins, herbs, natural supplements
and tinctures are not currently covered by insurance plans. |
| I
am seeing a medical doctor (MD). Should I tell the physicians
about each other? |
Back to Top |
|
| Yes.
It is very important that both of your physicians are aware
of the treatment you are receiving as well as any medications,
herbs or natural supplements you are taking. Naturopathic physicians
are trained in herb/drug interactions and can help assure that
any herbs or supplements you take are compatible with your medications.
|
| What
is an appointment with a naturopathic physician like?
|
Back to Top |
|
| The
first appointment with a naturopathic physician usually lasts
1 1/2 hours. It includes a thorough written questionnaire regarding
your health history, your health concerns and your lifestyle.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth interview about
your health concerns and conduct a physical examination. A comprehensive
treatment plan is sometimes developed during the first visit,
though it is usually introduced over the next few visits. Return
visits are dedicated to examination of laboratory testing, evaluation
of patient’s progress and, if necessary, modifications
to treatment protocols. Follow-up appointments last from 45
min to 1hour. |
| How
many times will I have to see my Naturopathic doctor? |
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|
| This
depends on several factors: 1) nature and severity of the condition;
2) patient’s response to treatment modalities; 3) individual’s
healing capacity; and 4) patient’s compliance with the
treatment plan. |
| Our
goal is to bring the individual to a greater level of health.
We pride ourselves on providing the best individualized patient
care by truly listening to our patients and selecting treatments
that best meet the needs of each patient. |
| Please
take advantage of our free 15 min. phone
consultation. To make an appointment, please contact
White Oak Center. |
