All About
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to medicine that blends modern science with traditional approaches to healing. It focuses on treating the root cause of conditions, addressing the whole person, preventing future disease, & utilizing the body's natural ability to heal. It relies on a variety of treatment approaches such as nutrition, herbal medicine, counseling, and physical medicine. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes first relying on effective, lower force (and lower side effect) interventions, before relying on higher force interventions such as pharmaceuticals or surgery.
Education & Licensing
Naturopathic doctors obtain a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from one of six accredited schools in North America. These programs are 4+ years long and consist of many hours of coursework and clinical training in biochemistry, histology, physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and labs & diagnostics. Additionally, there is coursework and clinical training in botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, IV therapy, physical medicine, nutrition, and nutrient therapy.
To become licensed, naturopathic doctors pass 2 rounds of intense board exams. Once both sections are passed, naturopathic doctors are licensed as doctors, meaning they can legally order labs & imaging, diagnose, and treat.
Naturopathic doctors are currently licensed in 23 states, including California.
Practice Modalities
Naturopathic doctors have a wide range tools in their tool kit. Some of the modalities we use to treat include:
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Nutrition
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Herbal medicine
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IV therapy
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Homeopathy
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Counseling
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Hydrotherapy
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Nutrient therapy
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Physical medicine
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Hormone therapy
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Lifestyle medicine
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Pharmaceuticals, as indicated
