Everything You Need To Know About Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to medicine that focuses on treating the underlying cause of illness. It emphasizes disease prevention and optimizing wellness by addressing diet and lifestyle habits.

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic doctors are primary healthcare professionals specializing in natural, non-toxic therapies. They treat a variety of conditions and encourage patients to take an active part in their care to promote the highest level of wellness possible. The scope of a naturopathic doctor’s practice includes preventative medicine, nutrition counseling, hormonal balancing, detoxification, pain management, and weight loss.

Naturopathic physicians use many modalities, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical manipulation, lifestyle counseling, and hydrotherapy. These supplements are often used to correct deficiencies and support the body in regaining balance.

In addition, they provide patients with a complete health evaluation, which involves identifying the root causes of illness that may not show up on traditional diagnostic tests. When necessary, they order and interpret appropriate laboratory tests or refer to other health care practitioners for diagnosis or treatment.

Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their own healing through proper diet and lifestyle modifications. They also receive health education on prevention, self-care, and overall health maintenance. They are taught about lab-supported nutritional supplementation and herbal remedies that support their health needs and minimize the risk of future disease.

How Is Naturopathic Medicine Different From Conventional Medicine?

Naturopathic physicians are licensed physicians who use natural medicines and therapies to treat patients. Conventional medical doctors prescribe medications, while naturopathic practitioners may recommend supplements or herbal medicines, as well as provide dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Many patients with chronic illnesses are treated with pharmaceuticals and/or surgery, but there may be alternative treatment options that can be explored first.

What Conditions Can A Naturopathic Doctor Treat?

A naturopathic doctor is a licensed medical professional who treats patients using holistic methods. They can prescribe certain medications, such as antibiotics, but most of their treatments include more natural methods of healing.

Naturopathy includes conventional medicine practices, like physical exams and laboratory tests. However, their approach is much more focused on nutrition and preventive health. For example, they might recommend dietary changes and herbal remedies to treat illnesses and prevent disease. Some naturopaths practice homeopathy. This is a type of medicine that uses natural substances in very small doses to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

If you are considering seeing a naturopathic physician, make sure he or she is licensed to practice in your state. Most states do not require chiropractors or naturopathic doctors to be licensed. Check with your state medical board to ensure the doctor is licensed. Also, check to see if your insurance covers this type of care. 

At-home care is also an important part of naturopathic medicine. Doctors will often provide patients with information on healthy eating and lifestyle choices, as well as at-home remedies. They may even offer recipes for homemade herbal supplements. When making an appointment with a naturopathic physician, consider asking about options for in-home care. Many are great for educating patients about how to care for themselves in-between visits. This can help you avoid unnecessary office visits while getting better faster.

To learn more about the healthcare services we offer at MediPro Pain & Performance, Beaverton, OR, call (503) 828-9265 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 17933 NW Evergreen Place, Ste 285, Beaverton, OR 97006.