Your Health Questions Answered: What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Most people recognize that familiar “MD” after a doctor’s name as proof that they have been educated and trained in accredited colleges and passed all the necessary tests to practice medicine. But MDs aren’t the only kind of doctor. There are many types of doctors, including some that may be better suited to your needs. For example, a licensed naturopathic doctor may be effective for people seeking a more holistic approach to wellness. These doctors have the initials “ND” following their name. MDs aren’t the only kind of doctor. A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) may be effective for people seeking a more holistic approach to wellness.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Naturopathic medicine isn’t new. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC), who is recognized as the “father of medicine,” developed the concept of vis medicatrix naturae, or the “healing power of nature.” Naturopathic medicine also has roots in the healing practices of many cultures around the world, including Taoist (Chinese), Ayurvedic (Indian), and other traditions. In the U.S. the introduction of this form of medicine dates back over 100 years when Dr. Benedict Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York. The concept of an integrative approach to wellness quickly began gaining traction. However, around the mid-20th century, the nation underwent a pharmaceutical revolution, transforming conventional medical and psychiatric care into veritable pill dispensaries that largely ignored natural therapies. Although the philosophy of naturopathic medicine is grounded in the principles of healing found in nature, modern naturopathic medicine is science-based. Hundreds of thousands of scientific studies help us understand why and how to use certain substances, plant, mineral, or nutritional approaches to help treat someone who is suffering. Adding a science-based curriculum to the wisdom of healing traditions has advanced the field of naturopathic medicine into the modern age. In recent decades, there’s been a backlash and people are seeking alternatives to conventional medicine and psychiatry. More people than ever are coming back to the realization that health and well-being are within their own power and are seeking naturopathic care in an effort to empower their own self-healing.

WHAT IS A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR?

A licensed ND is a doctor who has been educated and trained at naturopathic medical colleges. Like traditional doctors, licensed naturopaths are trained in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic and acute health conditions. But they differ from conventional doctors in several key areas. The practice of naturopathic medicine is rooted in 6 principles of healing:

1. Improve the body’s self-healing mechanisms. Drawing on Hippocrates’ concept of the healing power of nature, naturopathic doctors aim to improve a patient’s innate ability to heal.
2. Identify and treat the root cause. Rather than simply masking symptoms, naturopathic doctors aim to identify and treat the root causes of disease.
3. Do no harm. Therapeutic actions should aid in the body’s (and brain’s) ability to heal itself. Therapies that are intended to mask symptoms but that don’t treat the root cause and that may cause side effects are deemed harmful and are typically avoided. This means that rather than prescribe pharmaceuticals as a first line of defense the way many conventional doctors do, NDs opt for the least toxic, natural solutions whenever possible.
4. Treat the whole person. Licensed NDs take a whole-person approach to care, looking at the brain, body, mind, and spirit.
5. The doctor as teacher. As part of the healing process, NDs seek to empower the patient with information and tools to optimize their overall health and wellness. Developing a strong interpersonal relationship with each patient is a fundamental part of the journey to health and wellness.
6. For doctors of naturopathic medicine, preventing illness is the ultimate goal. NDs develop personalized protocols for patients to promote a healthy lifestyle.

It’s important to understand that licensed naturopathic doctors are different from “traditional naturopaths.” Those who are traditional naturopaths don’t have the same rigorous education and training through an accredited naturopathic medical school, nor have they been licensed.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF LICENSED NDs

In general, licensed NDs typically have over 4,100 hours of instruction, have graduated from a 4-year doctoral degree program (accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education), and 1,200 hours of supervised, hands-on clinical training. Similar to conventional medical schools, the curriculum includes anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, and physiology. Students may also take courses in homeopathy, botanical medicine, lifestyle management, nutrition, psychiatry, and other areas. To become licensed, graduates of a 4-year naturopathic medical college must pass a national board exam called the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX). Once licensed, naturopathic doctors can work in private practice, hospitals, and other medical settings.

WHAT SERVICES DO NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS PROVIDE?

Depending on the state where they are located, licensed NDs may prescribe pharmaceuticals, order lab tests, order diagnostic imaging (including brain imaging), and order food sensitivity tests. They may also administer vaccinations and perform minor surgeries. If they are located in a state where prescribing privileges are not allowed, NDs can refer the patient to an MD to write prescriptions. As a general rule, naturopathic doctors develop treatment plans involving the most effective solutions that are the least likely to cause harmful side effects. Improving the body and brain’s self-healing mechanisms is one of the basic tenets of any naturopathic treatment plan. This may include dietary recommendations, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, non-invasive therapies, counseling, and other natural therapeutics.

WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC PSYCHIATRY?

Some NDs specialize in psychiatric care, and they take a body-mind-spirit approach to mental health. NDs are an ideal fit at Amen Clinics, which shares a philosophy of using the most effective, least toxic solutions for patients. At Amen Clinics, the naturopathic doctors on staff take this approach one step further, looking at the body, mind, spirit, and brain. The brain imaging work at Amen Clinics clearly shows that the physical functioning of the brain is linked to mental illness or psychological well-being. In diagnosing and treating psychiatric illnesses, NDs adhere to the same principles they follow for physical health conditions—enhancing self-healing, identifying and treating root causes, avoiding harmful substances, taking a whole-person approach, educating the patient, and preventing illness. If you’re struggling with mental health issues that aren’t responding to traditional treatment or you’re interested in a more holistic approach to care, Amen Clinics is here for you. Amen Clinics has several naturopathic doctors on staff, including Kabran Chapek, ND (president of the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians), Elissa Mendenhall, ND, and Julie Brush, ND. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.