Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care practice that utilizes preventative methods and focuses on the body’s unique ability to heal itself using natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine was introduced in the United States in the late 1800s by the German physician Dr. Benedict Lust. This primary health care practice is rooted in traditional healing systems from around the globe dating back hundreds of years. However, naturopathic doctors in San Diego also integrate modern science, drawing from anatomical and physiological research studies, as well as biochemistry, to treat the whole body, mind, and spirit.
Naturopathic Care is Safe and Effective
Naturopathic care has experienced remarkable growth over the years; it has become widely recognized as a safe and therapeutic health care system. Naturopathic medicine is based on six principles:
- The Healing Power of Nature – Naturopathic medicine recognizes the body’s innate self-healing abilities. Naturopathic Doctors/Physicians work to isolate whatever inhibits recovery and eliminate it using natural therapeutic methods to expedite the healing process in patients.
- Identify and Treat the Causes – One goal of the naturopathic physician is to identify and eradicate the primary causes of illness, not merely treat the symptoms.
- First Do No Harm – Naturopathic doctors utilize the most natural, non-invasive, and least toxic modalities to treat patients. Some doctors will use other methods as necessary or may even refer patients to conventional health care providers when appropriate. It is common for patients to work collaboratively with conventional and naturopathic health care practitioners.
- Doctor as Teacher – Naturopathic doctors believe in educating patients about being actively engaged and responsible for maintaining their own good health. They understand that overall health is impacted by how the body connects and responds to its environment and lifestyle. Naturopathic doctors recognize that the doctor/patient relationship is vital in effectively treating the whole patient to restore balance and health.
- Prevention – Naturopathic medicine focuses on prevention. Doctors assess risk factors and hereditary predisposition to disease when developing patient health care plans and selecting appropriate interventions to prevent illness.
There are many things that you may not have known about naturopathic doctors. For example, Naturopathic physicians are educated in the same fundamental western medical sciences as conventional medical doctors (MD). They also must pass comprehensive, professional licensing exams before their state can license them. As medical students, they train in clinical settings under the close supervision of licensed medical practitioners. Naturopathic doctors also study clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, hydrotherapy, botanical medicine, and physical medicine. Many will also study acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, midwifery and receive other types of training such as epigenetics. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health:
“Naturopathic physicians generally complete a 4-year, graduate-level program at one of the North American naturopathic medical schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, an organization recognized for accreditation purposes by the U.S. Department of Education.”
As noted above, not all naturopathic medical students are required to attend 4 years. Why? If you are a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), naturopathic medical schools give credit for basic science courses taken during MD or DO medical school; thus reducing the 4 year education to 2-3 years.
Types of Care You Can Expect from a Naturopathic Doctor
Naturopathic practitioners often specialize in different treatment approaches. They may integrate any of these modalities into a patient’s health care plan:
- Dietary and lifestyle modifications
- Stress reduction therapies
- Vitamins and other dietary supplements
- Botanical medicine
- Manipulative therapies, such as massage, stretching, osteopathic techniques, reflexology, physical rehabilitative therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Practitioner-managed detoxification
- Homeopathy
A naturopathic doctor may spend up to two hours examining a patient and will ask questions about health and family history, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. They may order lab tests and will discuss the patient’s individual health plan with the patient, focusing on education and prevention and offering recommendations for diet, exercise, and stress management.
Naturopathic medicine is an integrative type of primary health care. It offers a centuries-old yet modern scientific approach to health care. Naturopathic practitioners can be found in clinical settings like hospitals and private practice. While naturopathic doctors receive extensive accredited education and training, traditional naturopaths often do not. A traditional naturopath’s education and training will vary significantly from their peers and does not require a 4 year medical degree. Health care providers, such as conventional medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and chiropractors, occasionally have training in naturopathic medicine and some may also have attended 4 year Naturopathic medical schools, becoming NDs. Additionally, some health care providers (e.g. MDs, DOs, and DCs) call themselves functional doctors. It is important to note that all Naturopathic doctors/physicians are functional providers just by the nature of their education, training, and philosophy; however, not all functional health care practitioners have the same depth of education and experience as Naturopathic doctors/physicians. A few additional courses or a certificate program are not the same as naturopathic medical school. It is essential to research and ask about education and training before choosing a naturopathic practitioner.
Schedule your appointment with Naturopathic Rx San Diego today and learn more about our methods of naturopathic care.
Testimonial from Arielle, Satisfied Naturopathic Patient in San Diego
Dr. Tara has been such a Godsend to me since the beginning of my healing journey with Lyme Disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome and Epstein-Barr Virus. It’s been quite the challenge, but Dr. Tara and her team make the healing process a much more enjoyable experience. I very much prefer to receive IVs and vitamin shots at Naturopathic Rx San Diego than at the hospital, so now I only go there for my ongoing nutritional maintenance and recovery. On top of that, the office is such a nice, clean and comfortable environment. Another game changer for me has been their incredibly helpful and informative guidance on natural herbs and supplements for my condition. Dr. Tara keeps me on track with the highest quality all-natural supplements. I am so thankful for being connected with Dr. Tara and her team at Naturopathic Rx San Diego as they continue to help better my quality of life.