Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
- Naturopathic doctors are primary care doctors trained in medical diagnosis and treatment who follow five unique principles (see Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine) to address the cause of illness. The educational and clinical training of naturopathic doctors are similar to that of a medical or osteopathic doctor. In addition, naturopathic doctors also have extensive training in natural therapies including: botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, clinical nutrition, mind/body medicine and physical medicine. When possible, naturopathic doctors choose natural therapies which have few, if any, harmful side effects.
- Naturopathic doctors who graduate from an accredited school receive a N.D. degree- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
- Specialties & additional degrees can be obtained in:
- Homeopathy – Homeopathy Certificate
- Natural Childbirth/Midwifery - Obstetrics Certificate from American College of Naturopathic Obstetrics (ACNO)
- Traditional or Classical Chinese Medicine - Master of Oriental Medicine
- How does naturopathic medicine differ from conventional medicine?
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The profession of naturopathic medicine is unique because it’s philosophy.
We differ from conventional medical doctors in that our practice us guided by
the following principles:
- Use the Healing Power of Nature
- The body has the ability to maintain and restore health. Healing occurs as a result of the revival of our “vital force” - qi, prana, spirit.
- Treat the Cause
- The simplest and wisest practice of medicine is to treat and remove the cause of illness rather than merely suppressing the symptoms.
- First, Do No Harm
- Naturopathic doctors prefer natural therapies that are less invasive and thus synergistic with the body’s healing process.
- Doctor as Teacher
- Naturopathic doctors educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility to achieve a state of good health.
- Treat the Whole Person
- Naturopathic doctors explore physical, mental, emotional, environmental, genetic and spiritual factors when treating a patient.
- Emphasize Preventive Medicine
- Naturopathic doctors strive to identify the factors that make one susceptible to illness and work toward preventing that illness.
- How long has naturopathic medicine been practiced?
- The roots of naturopathic medicine go back thousands of years to the Chinese, Greek, Indian, and European healing traditions. As a distinct American healthcare profession, naturopathic medicine is over 100 years old, tracing its origins to Dr. Benedict Lust. Dr. Lust came to the U.S. in 1896 from Germany to teach the natural healing methods practiced in Europe, and formed the first U.S. naturopathic medical school in 1898.
- In the 1920s, Naturopathic medical conventions attracted more than 10,000 naturopathic doctors. There were more than 20 naturopathic medical colleges, and N.D.’s were licensed in a majority of states. Naturopathic medicine experienced a decline in the 1940s with the rise of pharmaceutical drugs and technological medicine. The National College of Naturopathic Medicine was founded in 1956 in Portland, Oregon to keep the profession alive.
- Can Naturopathic Doctors practice in all states?
- Today, naturopathic doctors are licensed in 12 U.S. states, including California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Connecticut, Arizona, Utah, Alaska, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Montana. In addition, we are licensed to practice in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information on licensure, contact the American Association of Naturopathic Doctors at www.naturopathic.org.
- How do I choose a Naturopathic Doctor?
- When choosing a naturopathic doctor, it is important to ask where he or she
received their training. The following are schools accredited or candidates for
accreditation by the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education:
- Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington
- National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona
- University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in North York, Ontario
- I attended the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1956, NCNM is the oldest naturopathic medical school in the United States and is reknown for it’s extensive community clinic program. Students have the opportunity to work with clients from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, including geriatrics, homeless teens, people with alcohol and drug addictions, migrant workers and community college students. In partnership with Multnomah county, NCNM received the Healthy People 2000 award for their extensive community clinic program which reaches the underserved community.
- The National Institutes of Health funded Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) a $1.5 million dollar grant to implement a new four-year curriculum in complementary and alternative medicine for medical students at OHSU. NCNM will receive a portion of the grant and work with in collaboration with OHSU to develop ththis program.
- Will my insurance cover naturopathic care?
- Unfortunately, insurance coverage of naturopathic medicine is very limited in the state of California. A few insurance companies provide partial coverage. Contact your insurance company for information about naturopathic care. I do not bill insurance companies directly. However, I will provide a form which you can send in to your insurance company for reimbursement.
- I encourage all of my clients to request in writing that your insurance company begin to cover naturopathic medicine and other “alternative medicine”.