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NDSelect.com is the fastest and easiest way to locate a Naturopathic Doctor.
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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Is naturopathic medicine safe?
The safety record for naturopathic medicine is excellent. This makes sense given the emphasis on non-toxic, natural source medicines and gentle, non-invasive treatments. Side effects are rare and NDs are knowledgeable about contraindications between naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines.
Naturopathic Doctors must complete at least 3 years of university pre-medical education. This is followed by 4 years of intensive training from an institution accredited to provide Naturopathic education and training. The training includes both an academic and a clinical component.
What are the kinds of treatments do naturopathic physicians use?
The basic therapies are clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, vitamin therapy, Asian medicine (acupuncture and eastern botanicals), physical treatments and health counseling. The range of treatments allows the naturopathic doctor to address not only the physical ailments, but also the mental and emotional aspects. Naturopathic therapies are all based on the same principles: they all assist the body’s healing response, and they are often more effective when combined.
What is the difference between naturopathy and homeopathy?
Homeopathy is one treatment modality used by naturopathic doctors along with botanical medicine, nutrition, Asian medicine, lifestyle counseling and physical medicine. A Naturopathic doctor is trained to perform these treatments. Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the principle that like cures like and is the sole treatment used by most homeopathic practitioners.
What kinds of health problems can naturopathic doctors help with?
Naturopathic Doctors can treat a wide variety of both chronic and acute conditions. Here is a small list of commonly treated conditions:
- Chronic fatigue
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Digestion
- Irritable bowel Syndrome
- Skin conditions
- Headaches
- Ear and throat infections
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- Menopause
- PMS
- Menstrual disorders
- Infertility
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Stress anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- ADHD
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Preventative health care such as yearly gynecological exams and paps, prostate exams and regular health physicals are also conducted by naturopathic doctors.
Are NDs licensed?
A licensed naturopathic doctor (aka naturopathic physician) has completed a 4-year, graduate-level program at an accredited naturopathic medical school, and maintains a license in a regulated province or state. Following the completion of an accredited naturopathic medical program, NDs must successfully complete standardized North American Board exams known as the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing. To find out if a naturopathic doctor is licensed, check with your state or provincial naturopathic regulatory board.
The following US states have laws regulating licensing of naturopathic doctors: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota (effective July 2, 2009). Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington as well as the District of Columbia and the US Territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. In Canada naturopathic medicine is regulated under provincial law in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
Do naturopathic doctors work with medical doctors?
Naturopathic doctors often interact with medical doctors to ensure optimal care for a patient. After consent is given by a patient an ND and MD may exchange information on tests, diagnoses and treatments. This interaction can help to avoid repeated testing and interactions between treatments.
How often do I need to visit?
The number of visits can vary significantly from patient to patient. Factors such as severity and duration of illness play a role in the frequency and total number of visits needed.
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