When I tell someone we are a Naturopathic Doctor, one of the first questions we get is:
“So…what exactly does that mean?”
It's a fair question.
Some people assume naturopathic medicine means we only use herbs and supplements. Others think it means we are against medications or conventional medicine.
Neither is how we practice.
So, What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?
A licensed Naturopathic Doctor, or NMD/ND, attends an accredited four-year naturopathic medical school and is trained in medical sciences, physical examination, laboratory testing, diagnosis, pharmacology, nutrition, botanical medicine, and other therapeutic approaches.
What makes naturopathic medicine different is often
how we approach the patient.
When someone comes into our office with fatigue, weight gain, low testosterone, high blood pressure, digestive problems, or another concern, We
don't want to only ask:
“What can we give you for this symptom?”
We also want to ask:
“Why might this be happening?”
We Use Natural and Conventional Medicine
We don't believe healthcare has to be divided into two teams.
Sometimes nutrition and lifestyle changes are appropriate. Sometimes we may use nutritional supplements, botanical medicine, or other natural therapies.
And sometimes medication is absolutely appropriate.
Our job isn't to choose a treatment because it is “natural” or “conventional.” Our job is to determine what makes sense for the individual sitting in front of me.
For example, if someone has high blood pressure, we may talk about sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress, body composition, and metabolic health. But if that blood pressure requires medication, we are not going to ignore it simply because medication isn't “natural.”
There is a time and place for both.
Why Our Appointments May Feel Different
One of the biggest differences patients notice is how much we talk.
We want to understand your health history, symptoms, medications, supplements, diet, exercise, sleep, stress, goals, and laboratory findings.
Those details help me connect the dots.
If you're exhausted every afternoon, for example, we don't automatically assume you need testosterone, a vitamin, or another supplement. We want to understand your sleep, hormones, thyroid, blood sugar regulation, nutrition, medications, stress, and overall health before deciding what makes sense.
Our Goal Is to Help You Understand Your Health
We believe patients should understand
why we're doing something.
If we recommend a treatment, laboratory test, medication, supplement, or lifestyle change, we want you to understand the reasoning behind it.
That's what naturopathic medicine means to us.
It's not about choosing natural medicine over conventional medicine.
It's about looking at the whole person, asking better questions, and using the tools available to help you become healthier.
That's the kind of medicine we practice.
-Dr. C and Dr. B
