Naturopathic doctors vary in their treatment approach to medical issues than other health care professionals. For many observers that can be a source of frustration and reason to criticize. But for others, it can offer hope in the fact that there are many possibilities and options to positively affect their conditions. It is often said within the profession, that if a patient takes his/her medical problem to 10 different Naturopaths that they will receive 10 different treatment plans. This is because all Naturopathic practitioners are unique and we all believe in the fact that there are multiple paths that can lead to the same destination.
Naturopathic Doctors have a wide variety of tools in their bag of tricks. A typical treatment plan will include dietary advice, supplement/vitamin prescription, home care advice, exercise recommendations, mental/emotional exercises, a homeopathic remedy, and occasionally a pharmaceutical if necessary. Also, patients may be asked to return at regular intervals to receive in-office treatments or other procedures. These in-office treatments may include vitamin injections, hands-on body work, hydrotherapies – like medicinal baths, local ice or hot packs, ultrasound, counseling, cooking or food prep instructions, and many others.
Naturopathic Doctors whom have graduated from an accredited medical school/university program are trained and educated to act as primary care doctors in a conventional setting. When you see a naturopathic doctor, it’s like seeing many experts all rolled up into one. You will be under the care of an expert in primary care medicine, herbal/botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition and exercise, and physical medicine. As such, a patient may not only receive a multifaceted treatment plan, but also a referral to another medical expert or specialist. NDs work in conjunction with medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, and dentists to provide patients with a comprehensive and integrated approach to the management of their conditions.
The following is a current list of accredited naturopathic medical school/universities: Bastyr University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences. Make sure that your Naturopathic Doctor is a graduate of one of those previously mentioned universities, has a license to practice medicine in your state, and is a member of their state association. This will ensure that you are getting the very best that real naturopathic medicine has to offer.

Dr. Ryan Weitman NMD