Most people think of going to the doctor as an experience with white lab coats, blood drawn from veins, and various tests being run. Now more than ever, more people are looking for an alternative to the modern medicine machine, including those sterile doctors’ offices. In fact, more than half of the adults in the US use some form of alternative medicine.
One place to start that alternative is to look into a naturopathic practitioner. If you’ve never heard of them, look no further. In this article, we break down what they do, how they do it, and why you should consider visiting one.
Read on to get caught up on the naturopathic medical community.
What Is A Naturopathic Practitioner?
A naturopathic practitioner is a primary health care professional who combines wisdom derived from nature with the more rigorous knowledge of modern science. Naturopathic practitioners are trained as primary care providers. This means they diagnose, treat, and manage a patient’s health while addressing dysfunction and disease at the level of body, mind, and spirit.
Naturopathic medicine is for patients of all genders and ages. Practitioners tailor a treatment protocol for each patient. This will place a strong emphasis on self-care, prevention, and patient education.
Difference Between a Naturopathic Practitioner And A Traditional Medical Doctor
A naturopathic practitioner’s focus is on the overall wellness of a patient through disease prevention and health promotion. This can often be different from the approach of a traditional doctor, where the goal is to treat symptoms while trying to find the cause.
Are Naturopathic Practitioners Licensed?
A naturopathic practitioner is usually licensed. This does depend on the state or territory in which they operate in.
This means that they have to undergo licensing exams to practice. Plus, take continuing education classes even if they have a naturopathic medical degree.
Take Deborah Farley, the founder of Acupuncture Works, for example. She is firstly licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Medicine as a Licensed Acupuncturist. Secondly, by the State of Florida as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
On top of that, naturopathic practitioners usually attend a four-year graduate-level school. They’ll study sciences similar to a conventional medical school. Other studies will likely include psychology, nutrition, and natural therapies that include homeopathy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.
What Services Do Naturopathic Practitioners Offer?
Naturopathic medicine is available to treat a wide range of health issues. Some common ones include:
- Headaches
- Allergies
- Tick-borne diseases
- Fertility issues
- Digestive problems
- Weight loss
- Chronic pain
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
Naturopathic practitioners use a combination of therapies to help patients. Commonly you’ll find acupuncture, homeopathy, and a variety of physical therapies.
Find Out More About How Naturopathy Can Help
If you’d like to know more about what a naturopathic practitioner can do for you specifically, get in touch. In your first appointment, we will discuss your medical history including, any medication you’re currently taking. You can also expect to have your kidney and liver functions monitored so we can make sure everything is being processed by your body the way it should be.
Schedule an appointment with Acupuncture Works today and find out how we can help you treat whatever is bothering you.
