What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine abides by 6 principles at its foundation of patient care:

1. First Do No Harm: Naturopathic medicine is intended to be gentle and effective, using the least force necessary to shift an individual toward health.

2. Healing Power of Nature: Naturopathic medicine recognizes the body's inherent ability to heal itself by identifying and removing obstacles to facilitate this healing ability.

3. Identify and Treat the Root Cause: Naturopathic medicine seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms.   

4. Doctor as Teacher: Naturopathic medicine aims to educates the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. 

5. Treat the whole person: Naturopathic medicine treats each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path. The Therapeutic Order allows naturopathic doctors to remove obstacles, stimulate the body’s innate self-healing mechanisms, strengthened weakened or damaged systems, correct structural integrity, use natural therapies to address pathology & symptoms, and as a last resort utilize pharmaceutical or invasive therapies to suppress pathology when needed.

6. Prevention is the best cure: Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and by making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.

How are naturopathic doctors educated, trained, and licensed?

Naturopathic medical schools are four year post-graduate schools with rigorous admission requirements. The program is similar to conventional medical school with two years of didactic training (anatomy with cadevar dissection, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, gynecology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, psychology, and physical and clinical diagnosis) and two years of clinical training at onsite and offsite clinic and community locations treating patients. Naturopathic doctors need to pass a hands-on clinical entry exam series, required preceptorship hours, and sit for 2 Board exams. Additional naturopathic medical training is required in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine therapy and compounding, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, spinal manipulation, mind-body medicine, environmental medicine, counseling, minor surgery, acupuncture, and IV therapy. Depending on the state in which an ND is practicing, additional elective Board examinations may be required in acupuncture, minor surgery, pharmacology, and parenteral medicine.

What are the benefits of working with a Naturopathic doctor?

Naturopathic medicine is comprehensive in its approach to whole person health care by addressing the underlying cause of imbalance or disease, thereby reducing healthcare costs. This approach is thorough and requires longer appointment times to fully discuss care from a holistic perspective.

Naturopathic medicine may be a good fit for you if you are looking for:

• natural solutions aimed to treat the root cause of your health concern as a whole person approach

• personalized treatment recommendations

• significantly more time with the doctor

• more natural ways to treat chronic health conditions and chronic pain

• shared decision making in your health and active participation in your care

• something new because you have tried conventional options and they don’t seem to be working

• a better understanding of how your body works

• improved quality of life

Is naturopathic medicine safe?

Yes. Naturopathic doctors serve as a bridge between conventional and alternative medicine as we are trained to understand drug-herb interactions and when conventional testing may be warranted. The safety record in states with regulatory boards is excellent. Naturopathic medicines tend to be non-toxic, gentle, and non-invasive treatments. Additionally, we are trained to recognize conditions outside their scope of practice and refer to other health practitioners when it is necessary to do so.

What is the history of naturopathic medicine?

Well I’m glad you asked! The term ‘naturopathy’ was coined in North America by Dr. Benedict Lust, who founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York in 1902. Unfortunately due to the Flexner Report in the 1920’s, allopathic medicine was seen as the primary method of training and healthcare. While the term ‘naturopathic medicine’ dates back to the 19th centurty, its roots date back thousands of years to the European doctors who used herbal medicine in their conventional treatments. Naturopathy is a blending of the science of medicine and the art of healing - a specialized system of primary healthcare that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine is supported today by its continued research from peer-reviewed journals and the like.

What should I expect at my first visit?

Your first visit is the longest appointment and allows for 90 minutes of uninterrupted time to focus on you and your health concerns. Initial naturopathic medicine intakes allow for a more thorough review of body systems, nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and mental health in order to fully understand any underlying or external factors that could be contributing to the root cause of your health concern. We’ll also review any supplements and/or medications that you may be taking. Please know that any medications currently prescribed by your PCP or other doctor, will continue to be managed by that provider. By digging deep and connecting the dots, naturopathic medicine can offer a fresh perspective.

How do follow-up appointments work?

Follow-up appointments are typically 30-45 minutes and allow for a review of your current treatment plan so that adjustments can be made if needed. Any new health concerns that may require additional time may need to be scheduled as another appointment. Recommendations for other services, such as a homepathic intake, may also be suggested.

Why doesn’t insurance cover my appointments?

While some naturopathic doctors do accept health insurance, it is dependent on your plan and the actual state laws. Oftentimes, insurance can shape the time spent with a doctor and the treatment received. Here at New Earth Naturopathic, we focus on providing the best care, without insurance influence. Establishing care with a naturopathic doctor is more affordable than one may think, and can save you money in the long run, in addition to significantly benefiting your health and wellbeing.

What states are licensed for naturopathic medicine?

In the United States: 26 jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands all have laws regulating naturopathic doctors. This map shows the states in more detail: AANMC.org

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