Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to

help the body heal itself

It embraces many therapies, including herbs, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.

The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person — that means mind, body, and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an illness — not just stop the symptoms.

What you can expect on your first visit

A Naturopathic physician (ND) or doctor of naturopathic medicine (NMD), may spend 1 to 2 hours examining you. They’ll ask questions about your health history, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. They may order lab tests. Afterward, they will typically discuss your personal health plan. Naturopathic medicine focuses on education and prevention. Expect to receive diet, exercise, or stress management tips. They often combine Western Medicine applications and complementary medicine — like homeopathy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture — in addition to naturopathic treatments. They may also use touch, such as massage and pressure, to create balance in your body.

Naturopathic physicians attend an accredited four-year, graduate-level school

There they study basic sciences similar to those studied in conventional medical school. They also study nutrition, psychology, and complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy. Some states and territories require naturopathic doctors to become licensed. That means they have to pass an exam to practice and take continuing education classes.

For a directory view of Naturopathic Physicians you may like: Integrative Health Practioner