What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians who are trained by an accredited 4 year post-graduate naturopathic medical school. NDs study the standard medical curriculum as medical doctors in addition to a variety of natural therapies such as clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine (hydrotherapy, manipulations, ultrasound, low level light therapy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, etc.), and counseling. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes finding the root cause of illness in order to heal the body and prevent further diseases. This is a specialized health care profession that concentrates on prevention, natural treatments, and achieving optimal health.

Naturopathic medicine is built from a foundation based on six principles that guides how many NDs may assess and treat a variety of patients.

First Do No Harm
Use the Healing Power of Nature
Treat the Root Cause
Treat the Whole Person
Doctor is a Teacher
Prevention is the best "cure"