Naturopathic Physicians Near Me

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Cortney Katz

Cortney Katz

Physician Assistant
Offers virtual services

English

Cortney Katz is your partner in wellness, providing you with elite health consulting. The foundation of her practice is education and empowerment of women. With this she focuses on providing her clients with a deeper understanding of their body and its unique individual needs. Cortney does a deep …


Charlotte NC Naturopathic Doctor Naturopathic Doctor,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Physician,Naturopathic Physician,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Herbalist,Reflexologist,Holistic Health Service,Reflexology,Holistic Medicine,Nutrition Counseling,Alternative Health,Natural Medicine Doctor,Naturopathic Medicine,Alternative Health Service,Mental Wellness,Health and Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Obesity Care,Functional Nutritionist,Stress Counseling,Iridologist,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Integrative Health,Autoimmune Disease Specialist,Stress Coach,Gas and Bloating Specialist,Chronic Fatigue Specialist,Acne Specialist,Menopause Specialist,Fatigue Specialist,Hashimoto Disease,Thyroid Specialist,Lyme Disease Specialist,Inflammation Specialist,PMS Specialist,Gut Health Specialist,Hormone Specialist,Adrenal Gland Specialist,Epstein Barr Specialist,Energy Coach,Brain Fog Specialist,ADHD Specialist,Joint Pain Specialist,Gout Specialist,Detox Specialist,Holistic Doctor,Anemia Specialist,Endometriosis Specialist,Digestive Health Coach,Epigenetic Test
Michelle Tonkin

Michelle Tonkin

Naturopathic Doctor
Offers virtual services

English

Hi there! My name is Michelle Tonkin. I am a Naturopathic Doctor, Certified Nutritional Consultant, Master Herbalist, Master Iridologist and Master Reflexologist. I am a graduate of Trinity College of Natural Health and Acusage Academy. My journey to pursue these degrees started in 2001, as I desir…


FAQs:

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic doctors are educated and trained in accredited naturopathic medical colleges. They diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illnesses to restore and establish optimal health by supporting the person's inherent self-healing process. Rather than just suppressing symptoms, naturopathic doctors work to identify underlying causes of illness and develop personalized treatment plans to address them. Their Therapeutic Order identifies the natural order in which all therapies should be applied to provide the most significant benefit with the least potential for damage.

What Do Naturopathic Physicians Do?

Naturopathic physicians 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 comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.

Naturopathic physicians work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. ND's practice throughout the United States and Canada. Qualified naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training before they become licensed healthcare practitioners.

NDs treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family health care. Among the most common ailments they treat are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. NDs can perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds. However, they do not practice major surgery. NDs are trained to utilize prescription drugs, although the emphasis of naturopathic medicine is the use of natural healing agents.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling. Naturopathy was brought to the United States from Germany in the 1800s, but some of its treatments are centuries old. Today, it combines traditional treatments with some aspects of modern science. The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person -- that means mind, body, and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an illness -- not just stop the symptoms.

A naturopathic doctor may spend 1 to 2 hours examining you. They’ll ask questions about your health history, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. They may order lab tests. Afterward, they will typically discuss your health plan. Naturopathic medicine focuses on education and prevention, so your doctor may give you diet, exercise, or stress management tips. They might use complementary medicine -- like homeopathy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture -- in addition to naturopathic treatments. They may also use touches, such as massage and pressure, to create balance in your body. This is called naturopathic manipulative therapy.

Are Naturopathic Doctors Legitimate?

Although naturopathic medicine has been practiced as a form of alternative medicine since the early 1900s, people still question the legitimacy of NDs. Regulations vary around the world, but in the United States, licensed naturopathic doctors are real medical professionals who can provide many of the same services that medical doctors do. Within the world of healthcare, many NDs do choose to go into private practice. But many also work alongside other medical professionals in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, health centers, universities, and other private healthcare settings.

Can Naturopathic Doctors Prescribe Medications?

Many of the states that allow licensed naturopathic doctors to practice medicine also allow these doctors to prescribe medications — with limitations. Under most state regulations, NDs aren’t allowed to prescribe controlled substances or substances that are highly controlled by government regulations due to their potential for misuse. However, in New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Washington, an exception is made for certain controlled medications depending on the specific ingredients.

Are Naturopathic Physicians Real Doctors?

A naturopathic doctor, or doctor of naturopathic medicine (ND), is trained in naturopathic medicine. This system of medicine combines Western science, natural therapies, and holistic approaches to treat health conditions. Natural therapies may be used as both primary and complementary treatments. Naturopathic physicians attend a naturopathic medical college, where they are educated in the same basic sciences as traditional medical doctors. They also take a professional board exam to become licensed, but they aren’t recognized as medical doctors.

Are Naturopathic Doctors licensed Physicians?

A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a 4-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school. These schools have rigorous admissions requirements that are comparable to other conventional medical schools. They are accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which is a programmatic accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

NDs are trained in the same medical sciences as a medical doctor (MD); including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, physical and clinical diagnosis, cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, dermatology, neurology, radiology, minor surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychology, and pharmacology.

Differing from MDs, NDs are also trained in specialized naturopathic techniques that can include therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, physiotherapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy, and counseling.

To be licensed, naturopathic doctors must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX), which is a national exam that covers Part I for biomedical sciences between the 2nd and 3rd year of education and Part II for clinical sciences after the 4th year of education.

What is the Difference Between a Traditional Naturopath and a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor?

While both traditional naturopaths and licensed naturopathic doctors aim to help the body heal through natural substances such as food, herbs, and water, their education is very different. Their scope of practice and regulatory status vary from state to state and province to province—and in some states and provinces, there are not yet any regulations about any type of naturopathic practice. The titles “traditional naturopath” and “naturopathic doctor” (or “naturopathic physician”) are not interchangeable. A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND/NMD) is a primary care physician trained to diagnose and prescribe, while a traditional naturopath cannot do either. In some states where naturopathic medicine is not yet a regulated medical profession, a traditional naturopath may on his/her own, choose to use the title, “naturopathic doctor,” which is likely to be confusing to patients looking for a licensed ND.

What States Recognize Naturopathic Physicians?

In the U.S., Naturopathy is regulated at the state level, and laws vary widely from one state to another.  They can generally be grouped into three categories:

- States that require state licenses to practice;

- States that offer (but do not require) licenses, and;

- States that neither an offer nor require licenses.

The states listed below have relatively strict laws that require state-issued licenses to practice.

- Alaska

- Arizona

- Connecticut

- Hawaii

- Massachusetts

- Rhode Island

- Kansas

- Maine

- Washington, D.C

- New Hampshire

- Maryland

- Montana

- North Dakota

- Oregon

- Utah

- Vermont

- Washington

In the following states you can practice with restrictions:

- California – Requires state licenses for only those practitioners who use the titles of “Naturopathic Doctor,” “Naturopathic Physician,” or their abbreviations, “ND” or “NP.”

- Minnesota – can practice as a Complementary & Alternative Health Care Practitioner

- Colorado – can practice as a Complementary & Alternative Health Care Practitioner

- New Mexico- Legislation passed in 2009, HB664, allows for the use of Complementary & Alternative Healthcare practitioners, with no license required. SB135 passed in 2019, requires a license for the use of a Naturopathic Doctor title. However, you may use the term Naturopath as long as you make it clear to your clients that you are not a licensed Naturopathic Doctor.

- Idaho – In 2019, Idaho passed legislation H0244, requiring a license to use the titles – Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Physician of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor, or NMD. Those whose practice does not include minor surgery or prescription drugs can use the titles- Naturopath, Naturopathic Doctor, or ND and are not required to be licensed.

- Wisconsin – WI legislation permits the title Naturopath to practice but it regulates the use of ND. There are several titles available for use to practice as a Traditional Naturopath.

- Pennsylvania – In 2016, PA passed Act 128 (the Naturopathic Doctor Registration Act). The Act regulates Registered Naturopathic Doctors. There are no restrictions on using the initials ND nor are Unregistered Naturopaths regulated by the Act.

In the following states it is unlawful to practice Naturopathy:

- Florida

- South Carolina

- Tennessee

Is There Good Evidence Supporting Naturopathic Medicine?

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is considered the paradigm in conventional healthcare and has been suggested as the methodology for natural medicine. The underlying foundation of EBM is the randomized controlled trial, which is very valuable in evaluating single treatments for individual diseases. There are randomized controlled trials that suggest that naturopathic treatments, such as botanical medicine, nutritional therapies, acupuncture, and physiotherapy are effective at treating some conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, depression, asthma, hypertension, and type II diabetes.

While randomized control trials are effective at testing single treatments, they may not be the best paradigm to judge the use of multiple treatments in patients with more than one disorder or disease. For this and other reasons, some scientists have suggested that an evidence-based approach should include not only research evidence but also clinic expertise and patient preferences (Geyman, 1998). For example, riboflavin, a B vitamin, has been proven in a randomized controlled trial to reduce the frequency and duration of migraine headaches when used for three months. Thus a naturopathic physician will often use riboflavin as part of a treatment plan, while also including other treatments based on clinical expertise. These treatments may include the use of omega-3 fatty acids to decrease inflammation or an elimination diet to identify possible food or chemical triggers. Individual patients will have different triggers-for some it could be MSG, and for others, it could be wheat. Noting individual responses is part of considering patient preferences.

In short, naturopathic medicine is personalized medicine that does not always lend itself to a strict adherence to treatments based on randomized controlled trials alone. It is essential to test the value of individual treatments, but the actual clinical application is much more complex. (Indeed the clinical application of conventional healthcare follows a similar model: according to a recent article in the British Medical Journal, only 13% of standard tests and treatments are supported by strong evidence.)

How Can Naturopathic Medicine Benefit Your Health And Wellbeing?

Naturopathic physicians are often successful at treating chronic conditions that don't respond to conventional medicine. This includes but is not limited to fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and digestive disorders. They can respond to the individual needs of patients and develop a treatment plan that includes nutritional supplements, botanical medicine, and diet therapy.

Naturopathic physicians understand the art of healing, which is more than dispensing an herbal remedy or nutritional supplement. To understand the context of a patient's illness, the physician must take the time to listen to the patient's story. Effective naturopathic treatment requires patience and good communication. Most patients know what is wrong and what needs to be done, but they don't know how to translate this into an action plan. The naturopathic physician can translate the patient's story and assign priorities among the several options that may emerge. They also take time to answer the patient's questions

A Brief History of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is derived from the Greek words naturos, which means nature, and pathos, which means sorrow, which is both used to describe the condition of a person suffering.

For those who are unfamiliar with naturopathy, it refers to a medical understanding that emphasizes the importance of supporting and boosting the body's inherent ability to heal itself through various means. Naturopathic physicians believe that prevention is the best therapy, and they employ a variety of strategies to promote holistic health and wellness.

Naturopathic medicine has its origins in a wide range of cultural and religious traditions. Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," advocated for the healing potential of nature more than two thousand years ago. Historically, many ancient civilizations, including the Ancient Greeks and Chinese civilizations, as well as indigenous groups throughout the Americas, relied extensively on natural remedies to heal illnesses and ailments.

When it came to other cultures, it didn't take long for naturopathic medicine to catch on. In 1892, the German government established the world's first formal school of naturopathic medicine. In 1956, the state of Oregon became the site of the first North American school of naturopathy. The United States and Canada each have seven approved schools of naturopathic medicine, and the number is growing. Naturopathic medical schools require students to learn extensively about both Western and Eastern medical practices, providing a more comprehensive approach to health. 

To become a naturopathic doctor, one must undergo extensive training and education. Naturopathic medical schools require four years of studies, as well as advanced clinical hours and residency under a practicing ND. Naturopathic medicine education is just as extensive, if not more so, as traditional medical schools so you can be assured naturopathic medical doctors are well trained in their fields.

6 Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

All naturopathic doctors abide by the six principles of naturopathic medicine. These are:

1. First, do no harm. NDs focus on using medications, procedures, and other treatment approaches that are as minimally invasive as possible. However, in cases where natural treatment methods aren’t effective, an ND can refer out for further care.

2. The healing power of nature. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the healing power of the natural world as well as the body’s ability to heal. NDs help the patient use this power by helping to create a healthy environment, both internally and externally.

3. Identify and treat the causes. NDs work to identify the underlying physiologic, biochemical, structural, and psychospiritual contributors to symptoms. By addressing the underlying root cause, naturopathic medicine aims to treat the cause of symptoms rather than ameliorate the symptoms.

4. Doctor as teacher. NDs function not only as practitioners of natural medicine but also as teachers to their patients. Within the scope of their practice, NDs teach patients everything they need to know to take care of their bodies.

5. Treat the whole person. Naturopathy emphasizes the idea that there are multiple factors — physical, mental, genetic, environmental, and more — that impact one’s health. During treatment, NDs focus on addressing all these factors, rather than just one.

6. Prevention. While NDs do diagnose and treat health conditions, the primary focus of naturopathic medicine is the prevention of illness and disease.

By using the six principles of naturopathic medicine, NDs aim to help patients recover from both acute and chronic health conditions while using the most natural and least invasive approaches possible.

Benefits of Seeing A Naturopathic Physician

Here are some of the greatest benefits of seeing a naturopathic physician:

1. Remove Obstacles to Health. Health, the “natural state” of one’s body, is disturbed by obstacles that lead to disease. The first step in returning to health is to remove the entities that disturb health such as poor diet, digestive disturbances, inappropriate and chronic stress levels, and individual disharmony. Naturopathic doctors construct a healthy regimen based on an individual’s “obstacles to health” to change and improve the terrain in which the disease developed. This allows additional therapeutics to have the most beneficial effects possible.

2. Stimulate the Self-Healing Mechanisms. NDs use therapies to stimulate and strengthen the body’s innate self-healing and curative abilities. These therapies include modalities such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicines, constitutional hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and acupuncture.

3. Strengthen Weakened Systems. Systems that need repair are addressed at this level of healing. Naturopathic doctors have an arsenal of therapeutics available to enhance specific tissues, organs, or systems including lifestyle interventions, dietary modifications, botanical medicine, orthomolecular therapy (use of substances that occur naturally in the body such as vitamins, amino acids, and minerals), and homeopathy.

4. Correct Structural Integrity. Physical modalities such as spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and craniosacral therapy are used to improve and maintain skeletal and musculature integrity.

5. Use Natural Substances to Restore and Regenerate. Naturopathic medicine’s primary objective is to restore health, not to treat pathology. However, when a specific pathology must be addressed, NDs employ safe, effective, natural substances that do not add toxicity or additionally burden the already distressed body.

6. Use Pharmacologic Substances to Halt Progressive Pathology. NDs are trained in pharmacology and how to use pharmaceutical drugs when necessary. If their state license permits, they can prescribe these agents themselves or if not, refer to a conventional medical colleague.

7. Use High Force, Invasive Modalities: Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy. When life, limb, or function must be preserved, NDs refer patients to MDs who are expertly trained in these arenas. At the same time, NDs use complementary or supportive therapies to decrease side effects and increase the effectiveness of these invasive procedures.

What Naturopathic Doctors Can Treat

NDs can treat a wide range of health conditions, including both acute and chronic illnesses and diseases. According to a 2020 survey taken by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC), the most common conditions treated by practicing NDs include:

- allergies

- cardiovascular conditions

- chronic pain

- digestive conditions

- endocrine conditions

- fatigue

- fertility issues

- fibromyalgia

- hormonal imbalances

- immune system conditions

- insomnia

- mental health conditions

- nutrition

- pediatric conditions

- women’s health conditions

Most NDs focus on the more common health conditions listed above. But some NDs also specialize in other areas of health, such as men’s health, autoimmune disorders, and oncology.

The Different Naturopathic Therapies

Naturopathic doctors use a variety of treatments. All naturopathic doctors are trained in the following natural therapies:

Clinical Nutrition

Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Special diets, food elimination, variations in dietary habits, or the use of nutritional supplements may be recommended.

Botanical Medicine

The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginning of civilization and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. The use of herbs in many forms: teas, tinctures, or capsules are used for their healing effects and nutritional value may be recommended for healing effects.

Homeopathic Medicine

Homeopathic remedies are minute dilutions of plant, animal, and mineral substances designed to stimulate the body’s “vital force” and strengthen its innate ability to heal.

Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture

Based on balancing the flow of chi (energy) through meridian pathways under the skin, Oriental medicine includes the use of Oriental herbs and acupuncture to regulate and release chi to bring the body into balance.

Physical Medicine

Physical medicine includes soft tissue work (including therapeutic massage); naturopathic manipulation of muscle, bone, or the spine; hydrotherapy techniques; gentle electrical impulses, ultrasound, diathermy; and exercise therapy.

Prevention and Lifestyle Counseling

Naturopathic doctors address all aspects of a person’s life, identifying and addressing the impact that stress and life events have on a patient’s health and assisting patients to make effective lifestyle choices.

Some naturopathic doctors will have additional training in other natural therapies such as:

- Prescribing

- IV therapies

- Chelation therapy

- Minor surgery

- Colon therapy

Reasons to See a Naturopathic Physician

Under what circumstances should I choose to see a naturopathic doctor

1. You want a doctor who will treat all of you, not just your illness.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained to treat the whole person. This requires taking the time to listen and understand the genetic, environmental, and behavioral/lifestyle factors that can affect your health. At your initial appointment, you’ll spend up to an hour or more talking with your ND.

2. You want personalized treatment.

NDs understand there is no one-size-fits-all treatment that works for everybody. After you visit with an ND, you’ll leave the doctor’s office with a treatment plan uniquely tailored to you, your health status, your health goals, and your lifestyle. 

3. You want to treat the root cause of an illness, not just the symptoms.

Sometimes having trouble sleeping, aches and pains, strange or hard-to-treat skin rashes, and indigestion or stomach discomfort are symptoms of an underlying illness. While these symptoms can be managed, it’s more important to understand and treat the root cause—which is the focus of naturopathic medicine.

4. You want to actively participate in managing your health.

An ND will help you learn what your body needs to get well and stay healthy. Patients have the opportunity to feel empowered and hopeful when they understand and are actively engaged in managing their health.

5. You have chronic pain and don’t want to use pharmaceutical drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or highly addictive opioids to manage it forever.

Pain that lasts six months or more is more complex than acute pain and requires a holistic, long-term approach to management. NDs are trained to work with you to determine which combination of therapies will work best for you to heal or manage your pain safely so that you can resume daily activities.

6. You have tried all conventional medical options for diagnosing and treating a health condition.

Certain chronic health conditions that have symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, or gastrointestinal distress can be difficult to diagnose and treat and can benefit from a holistic approach. NDs use diagnostic tools common in conventional medicine, such as detailed health, disease, and prescription drug histories, physical exams, and targeted laboratory testing and imaging. NDs also consider detailed diet history, lifestyle habits and choices, exercise history, and social/emotional factors to assess patients’ needs. These approaches can open doors to new treatment pathways and options.

5 Reasons Why Naturopathic Medicine is Safe

Combining the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science, NDs are highly trained as thorough diagnosticians. Utilizing the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health, NDs treat patients with the least invasive and least toxic therapies. These noninvasive and gentle modalities are among the several reasons why naturopathic medicine is safe for you and your family.

1. Naturopathic physicians treat patients using conservative and noninvasive modalities.

Naturopathic doctors specialize in preventative medicine and are experts in clinical nutrition and dietary interventions. They believe diet and lifestyle are the foundation of health.

2. Malpractice claims in naturopathic medicine are rare.

Because naturopathic physicians treat their patients through conservative and noninvasive methods, malpractice rates are much lower for naturopathic doctors compared to conventional doctors.

3. Naturopathic physicians are well-trained in the level of care they provide.

Naturopathic physicians attend accredited, four-year, on-campus, naturopathic medical schools where they study the latest advances in science and natural approaches to illness prevention and management. Students gain a thorough knowledge of biomedical sciences by taking anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology courses.

4. NDs are trained to treat a wide variety of populations and conditions.

NDs are rigorously trained to practice in a primary care setting where they encounter conditions of all types in all age groups. A significant part of an ND’s education is diagnostic training so they can appropriately treat or refer patients to other medical specialists when necessary. This training involves diagnostic tools common in conventional medicine, such as detailed health, disease, and prescription drug histories, physical exams, and targeted laboratory testing and imaging, according to the American Association of Naturopathic Practitioners.

5. More states are recognizing and licensing NDs.

Currently, 20 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories license naturopathic doctors with three states gaining licensure approval in the last year alone: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. However, more legislators are beginning to acknowledge the value of the growing naturopathic medical profession.

What to Expect from Your First Visit to a Naturopathic Physician

A naturopathic physician will take time with you. During your first appointment, your doctor will take your health history, find out about your diet, stress levels, and use of tobacco and alcohol, and discuss why you’re there. He or she may perform an examination and order diagnostic tests. Naturopathic physicians keep themselves up-to-date on the latest scientific research and incorporate this evidence into their treatments. The naturopathic physician will work with you to set up a customized health management strategy. If necessary, your doctor will refer you to other healthcare practitioners.

A first visit with a patient may last one to two hours and follow-up visits range from 30 to 60 minutes, although this varies depending on the ND. Naturopathic physicians need sufficient time to ask questions and understand the patient’s health goals. NDs also need time to gather information, do an appropriate examination, and teach their patients about managing their condition and improving their health. 

An ND may also use diagnostic tests to fully understand their patient’s health status. Besides taking the time to carefully and fully assess a patient’s root problem, NDs speak and understand the language of conventional medicine. They can diagnose the way MDs do—yet, they bring to the patient a whole new arsenal of treatments and insights. Instead of waiting for a disease to emerge, NDs work to head it off before it happens.

When to Visit a Naturopathic Physician

You might want to visit a naturopathic physician for several reasons. Perhaps you have a chronic condition that isn't responding to conventional care. But you don't have to suffer from a particular condition to visit a naturopathic physician. You may simply want to improve your overall health.

Naturopathy is particularly well suited for chronic conditions such as asthma, muscle pain, allergies, and arthritis, as well as disorders that may have a stress- or diet-related factor, such as digestive problems, insomnia, skin disorders, and fatigue. Naturopathic physicians also treat colds, flu, and bronchitis. Some are trained in natural childbirth and many treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other menstrual and menopausal problems.

If you have a serious condition that requires hospitalization, major surgery, or emergency treatment—for instance, if you have a broken bone—seek conventional medical assistance. You can receive follow-up care from your naturopathic physician, which may support natural healing pathways within the body.

How To Find A Good Naturopathic Doctor Near Me

1. Consider what kind of naturopathic practitioner you want.

In some countries, including the US and Canada, there’s a difference between ‘naturopathic physicians’ and ‘naturopaths’ (also known as ‘traditional naturopaths’).

2. Look for naturopathic doctors on the internet.

Most countries and regions have professional bodies which have directories of naturopathic practitioners. Begin your search by looking in these directories for practitioners in your local area. This will help you create a shortlist of potential candidates who are close to where you live.

3. Ask for references.

Talk to other people who’ve used naturopathic doctors, whether from your local community or on internet message boards. They may have useful tips and recommendations about which naturopathic doctor to choose.

4. Look for personal websites.

See if the practices you are investigating have an online presence. If they do, have a look at the website to get a sense of the personality of the doctor and the atmosphere of their practice. This will help give you an initial idea of their approaches to medical practice and patient welfare before you go deeper.

5. Look for appropriate credentials.

Because naturopathic regulatory bodies are usually not subject to statutory regulation, the nature and reliability of their qualifications are extremely variable. Research your region's regulatory body or bodies and determine what kind of qualification you should be looking for. If possible, ask others who have used naturopathic doctors which credential-issuing institutions are more reputable.

6. See if you and your doctor are compatible.

It’s important that your doctor has a good bedside manner, and that you get on well with them. Arrange a phone call with your prospective doctor to introduce yourself and get to know them. This will help you understand whether or not your personalities, beliefs, and approaches to healthcare are compatible.

7. Ask about the practice’s policies.

Find out how long it takes to get an appointment, whether same-day appointments are available, and how long patients have to wait before seeing the doctor. The staff at the naturopathic practice should be able to tell you this important information.

Sources:

AANP

AANMC

Healthline

Naturopathic Pediatrics

OANP

ANCB

WebMd

Healthy Women

Taking Charge

CAND

Wikihow

Pause Studio

NUHS

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.