Seeking A Naturopathic Doctor Tempe AZ

By Bonnie Contreras


Prior to finding a naturopathic doctor Tempe AZ it is important to know what it is they offer and what they can do. They are considered another choice outside of traditional medicine but are known to work along with it. It is the right of each individual to have their health and wellness be in a good state. Finding the way that works best is just part of taking care of one's self.

Not all naturopaths are created equally. The ND or NMD has an actual doctorate in medicine. They have a bachelor's degree as well and have spent two years training with a practicing physician. They have passed their board examinations and obtained their license to practice. These are issued on a state level.

Only sixteen states currently provide licensing. Arizona, Kansas and Maine to name a few, have regulations in place for how they should practice. The naturopath is not able to be a practicing physician. This is especially true in those states that don't offer licensing. The biggest difference is the requirement for education and lack of clinical training. A careful background is necessary.

Naturopathy considers the whole person. This basically means truly getting to know a patient. An initial consultation can be up to two hours. There are questions about every aspect of life. A person's emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, environmental and social circumstances affect their well being. Diagnostic testing will also be done. The point is to not only treat symptoms but to eliminate what is causing them, if possible.

It is common practice to use supplements, herbal medicines, and homeopathy. So are dietary changes and detox methods. After a diagnosis there is no one remedy for everyone. Treatment is highly individualized and usually involves more than one remedy. The patient is expected to be an active participant as well.

A naturopathic physician starts with the idea that the body is able to heal itself. They just need to find what is interrupting the healing process, then remove it. This is why patient participation is so important because sometimes a lifestyle change is needed. Educating the patient is a major tenet of naturopathy. They will know how each part of what is prescribed works with the other and why it has been issued. The doctor will need to know if the patient is currently using conventional methods for their symptoms. Even supplements can cause an interaction.

Ben Franklin is quoted as saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This statement is taken seriously in naturopathy. Part of treating the whole person is knowing their medical history including genetic history. The ND will go over what can be done to prevent future illnesses. Diet, lifestyle and nutrition are usually the first to be addressed and used to enhance and build the immune system.

The naturopathic doctor Tempe AZ is there to help those who want a more natural approach to their health. Sometimes a less invasive approach to an issue is wanted. They work well for general medicine issues and will refer a patient to a specialist, the same as a traditional general practitioner. In seeking an ND, the patient is seeking a partner in caring for their health.




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