General Naturopathic Medicine

The philosophical approach of naturopathic medicine includes prevention of disease, encouragement of the body’s inherent healing abilities, natural treatment of the whole person, personal responsibility for one’s health, and education of patients in health-promoting lifestyles. Naturopathic practice blends centuries-old knowledge of natural, nontoxic therapies with current scientific knowledge. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and all-natural medicine modalities.

Naturopathic diagnostics and therapeutics are supported by scientific research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacology, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality.

Most naturopathic doctors provide general natural medicine through private practice. Many receive additional training in specialized disciplines to broaden the services they can offer to their patients. These disciplines include midwifery, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, homeopathy, counseling, and Ayurvedic medicine. Some naturopathic physicians choose to practice as specialists. An increasing trend is the establishment of interdisciplinary practices which include general and specialized medicine and complementary care such as various types of body work and energy medicine modalities.