Frequently Asked Questions:  NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

What is naturopathic medicine?  Naturopathic medicine combines scientific knowledge with natural healing therapies. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct method of health care distinguished by the principles on which it is based. These are:

 The healing power of nature: Naturopathic medicine recognizes the body’s inherent self healing process as ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) strive to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to support and facilitate the self healing process.

Address root the cause of disease: NDs seek to identify and remove the underlying cause of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress its symptoms.

First do no harm: Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harm: 1) Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects; 2) Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms; 3) Acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to restore health.

Doctor as teacher: NDs educate and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.

Treat the whole person: NDs treat each person individually, taking into account his or her physical, mental,
emotional state as well as genetic, environmental and social factors. Since total health includes spiritual health, NDs encourage individuals to pursue their own spiritual paths.

What is a naturopathic doctor (ND)? A naturopathic doctor is an individual who has completed a post-graduate degree in naturopathic medicine at one of 4 federally accredited schools in the US. A naturopathic medical education requires a minimum of 3 years pre-medical sciences at a university prior to admission and is a 4-year, full-time program that includes 4,100 hours of study including conventional medical sciences - pathology, laboratory diagnosis, physical diagnosis, pharmacology, cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology etc. and 1,200 hours of supervised clinical experience.  A naturopathic medical education also includes extensive training in clinical nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, botanical medicine, mind-body medicine, environmental medicine, minor surgery and physical medicine. NDs must pass national basic and clinical NPLEX board examinations to be eligible for licensure.

Can an ND be my primary care physician? No, not currently in New York State. In many states NDs can act as primary care physicians, have prescribing rights and can perform minor surgery. New York State does not yet license NDs and NDs practicing in NY hold licenses in other states. NDs cannot diagnose or treat disease in NY and cannot offer all of the services they are trained to provide, but they can work with you to improve your overall health and wellness and serve as a valuable part of your health care team. To support licensing efforts for NDs in NYS please visit www.nyanp.org.

What health conditions can be improved with naturopathic care? 

ADD/ADHD     Hypertension   Gas/bloating   Diarrhea/constipation  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome  Irritable bowel Syndrome      Seasonal allergies and Asthma   Eczema    Arthritis    Acne   Diabetes   Fatigue  Menopause   PMS
Irregular Menses     Auto-immune disease     Fibromyalgia    Candida   GERD   High Cholesterol  and more…