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Naturopathic medicine is a healthcare practice that provides drugless treatment for a broad spectrum of health issues. The primary focus is

1. Find the cause of a disease.
2. Bring the body into balance.
3. Support its natural ability to heal.

The therapies used by a naturopath can include therapeutic nutrition, physical medicine, stress and psychological management, homeopathy, botanical medicine, and numerous other natural modalities. The patient is treated as a whole, not as a list of symptoms.

Top Ten Reasons to Consult a Naturopath

1. It’s part of your healthy life-style.
2. Curious if the many supplements your are taking are the right mixture.
3. You want advice from a specialist who is well trained in natural therapies.
4. You want to make an informed decision about your health.
5. You desire a natural health program customized for you.
6. You are confused by contradictory health claims.
7. You have vague complaints but aren’t sick enough to see a medical doctor or use drugs.
8. You are concerned about the long-term side effects of drugs.
9. You have an uncommon health problem that has many specialists baffled.
10. The drugs you are taking cause side effects that are worse than the original problem.

A LITTLE HISTORY

At the height of Naturopathy’s popularity in the early 1900s, there were more than 20 naturopathic medical schools in the United States, and naturopathic doctors were licensed in most states. As the use of pharmaceutical drugs increased, naturopathic medicine began to decline. However, in the past several decades there has been a resurgence of interest in naturopathy. There are now 5 Naturopathic Medical Schools in North America, and many states are licensing Naturopathic Doctors again.

NATUROPATHY & ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE

Naturopaths do not prescribe drugs, but are also not opposed to pharmaceutical drugs or surgery, and where appropriate, will either work in conjunction with prescription drug regimes, medical doctors, or surgeons, or make referrals for such treatment. Naturopathic doctors refer to a wide range of other health practitioners including physician specialists and other conventional and alternative providers.

HEALTH INSURANCE & NATUROPATHY

Some insurance companies have covered naturopathic care in Arizona, but you should ask your medical insurer about coverage for naturopathic medicine. In the future, it is probable that naturopathic medicine will be included in medical insurance.