What is Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic doctors combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and addressing the impediments to health. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic doctors help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopathic doctor’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.

NDs address all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family health care. Among the most common ailments they address are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, auto-immune conditions, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.  The emphasis of naturopathic medicine is the use of natural healing agents.

Are Naturopathic Doctors licensed by the state?

Naturopathic Doctors are currently licensed in 17 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.  Currently, the state of Illinois does not issue licenses for the practice of Naturopathic Medicine.  The Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians is working with Illinois state legislatures to obtain licensure for Naturopathic doctors.  For more information regarding licensing efforts, please access the ILANP website.

Where do Naturopathic Physicians obtain their education?

A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD, but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic doctor also studies clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling. A naturopathic doctor takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.  There are currently 5 accredited Universities in the United States which are permitted to bestow a degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.  The schools are recognized by and must remain in good standing with the US Department of Education.

What is the difference between a Naturopath and a Naturopathic Doctor?

The difference between these two practitioners is their level of education.  Naturopathic doctors complete a rigorous four-year medical education while Naturopath’s typically earn their certification via an on-line one year degree.  The Naturopathic doctor’s education includes education in the same basic sciences as an MD while Naturopaths who are not doctor’s recognized by the US Department of Education are not typically trained in basic science.  Naturopathic doctors are trained in the evaluation and assessment of scientific studies and evidence based approaches to health.

What are the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process.  The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.

The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice:

• The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in people that is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
• Identify and Treat the Causes (ToIle Causam): The naturopathic doctor seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
• First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere):Naturopathic doctors follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
• Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;
• Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms; and
• Acknowledge, respect, and work with individuals’ self-healing process.
• Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic doctors educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
• Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic doctors treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic doctors encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
• Prevention: Naturopathic doctors emphasize 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.

Is Naturopathic medicine covered by insurance?

In some states, insurance coverage of Naturopathic Medicine is mandated by law. In Illinois, however, insurance does NOT cover Naturopathy.  At this time, all Naturopathic visits must be paid for using cash or credit card.

Do Naturopathic Doctors work with conventional Medical Doctors?

Naturopathic doctors are trained to work with MD’s.  It is important that all healthcare professionals work together for the benefit of patients.  Naturopathic doctors are trained to both understand the effects of pharmaceutical medications and to avoid treatments which may negatively interact with them.  Naturopathic doctors work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers. NDs practice throughout the United States and Canada.  The use of Naturopathic medicine is increasing in our society.  Medical doctors and Naturopathic doctors are increasingly working together to combine the best of their modalities to improve patient outcomes.

Can Naturopathic Doctors run lab tests?

Naturopathic doctors are trained to prescribe, draw and interpret laboratory tests.  In unlicensed states, such as Illinois however, Naturopathic doctors are not licensed to utilize needles to draw blood.  In unlicensed states, Naturopathic doctors work with licensed healthcare providers such as MD’s, chiropractors and nurse practitioners to obtain appropriate labs.  Lab testing is one example where ND’s and MD’s work together to help address the concerns of their patients in unlicensed states.

Do Naturopathic Doctors treat with ozone?

Ozone is a controversial treatment.  In certain licensed states some Naturopathic doctors may use ozone as a treatment for certain conditions.  In the State of Illinois, Naturopathic doctors are not licensed to use ozone as a treatment option.