When seeking the naturopathic doctor Tempe AZ, it is first necessary to have a full understanding of exactly what they do. They do offer an alternative to more traditional medicine but not necessarily exclusive of it. Seeking more than one way to handle a health issue is just being smart. Good health is the one thing in this world no one can do without.
It is important to know that there is a difference between a naturopath and an ND. An ND must have a bachelor's degree, go to medical school for naturopathy and spend two years doing clinical training. They earn a doctorate to practice natural medicine. They will also have gone through all the necessary licensing and board examinations in their state.
Only sixteen states currently provide licensing. Arizona, Kansas and Maine to name a few, have regulations in place for how they should practice. The naturopath is not able to be a practicing physician. This is especially true in those states that don't offer licensing. The biggest difference is the requirement for education and lack of clinical training. A careful background is necessary.
Naturopathy considers the whole person. This basically means truly getting to know a patient. An initial consultation can be up to two hours. There are questions about every aspect of life. A person's emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, environmental and social circumstances affect their well being. Diagnostic testing will also be done. The point is to not only treat symptoms but to eliminate what is causing them, if possible.
It is common practice to use supplements, herbal medicines, and homeopathy. So are dietary changes and detox methods. After a diagnosis there is no one remedy for everyone. Treatment is highly individualized and usually involves more than one remedy. The patient is expected to be an active participant as well.
The primary belief is that the body can heal itself. The point is to help the body do so. Patient education and participation is essential. Everything will be explained and how an issue is to be addressed. The physician will work with someone who is going to their traditional MD and using traditional prescriptions, but they must be informed. Because a remedy is natural does not mean it cannot interact with current medication.
Ben Franklin is quoted as saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This statement is taken seriously in naturopathy. Part of treating the whole person is knowing their medical history including genetic history. The ND will go over what can be done to prevent future illnesses. Diet, lifestyle and nutrition are usually the first to be addressed and used to enhance and build the immune system.
The naturopathic doctor Tempe AZ is there to help those who want a more natural approach to their health. Sometimes a less invasive approach to an issue is wanted. They work well for general medicine issues and will refer a patient to a specialist, the same as a traditional general practitioner. In seeking an ND, the patient is seeking a partner in caring for their health.
It is important to know that there is a difference between a naturopath and an ND. An ND must have a bachelor's degree, go to medical school for naturopathy and spend two years doing clinical training. They earn a doctorate to practice natural medicine. They will also have gone through all the necessary licensing and board examinations in their state.
Only sixteen states currently provide licensing. Arizona, Kansas and Maine to name a few, have regulations in place for how they should practice. The naturopath is not able to be a practicing physician. This is especially true in those states that don't offer licensing. The biggest difference is the requirement for education and lack of clinical training. A careful background is necessary.
Naturopathy considers the whole person. This basically means truly getting to know a patient. An initial consultation can be up to two hours. There are questions about every aspect of life. A person's emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, environmental and social circumstances affect their well being. Diagnostic testing will also be done. The point is to not only treat symptoms but to eliminate what is causing them, if possible.
It is common practice to use supplements, herbal medicines, and homeopathy. So are dietary changes and detox methods. After a diagnosis there is no one remedy for everyone. Treatment is highly individualized and usually involves more than one remedy. The patient is expected to be an active participant as well.
The primary belief is that the body can heal itself. The point is to help the body do so. Patient education and participation is essential. Everything will be explained and how an issue is to be addressed. The physician will work with someone who is going to their traditional MD and using traditional prescriptions, but they must be informed. Because a remedy is natural does not mean it cannot interact with current medication.
Ben Franklin is quoted as saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This statement is taken seriously in naturopathy. Part of treating the whole person is knowing their medical history including genetic history. The ND will go over what can be done to prevent future illnesses. Diet, lifestyle and nutrition are usually the first to be addressed and used to enhance and build the immune system.
The naturopathic doctor Tempe AZ is there to help those who want a more natural approach to their health. Sometimes a less invasive approach to an issue is wanted. They work well for general medicine issues and will refer a patient to a specialist, the same as a traditional general practitioner. In seeking an ND, the patient is seeking a partner in caring for their health.