Most people don’t know what Naturopathic Medicine is, and why would they? Unless you are unsatisfied with the level or quality of care you are receiving for a certain illness, you would have no reason to go searching for an alternative.
Naturopathic Medicine has not reached its tipping point yet. This means that almost no one knows what it really is, what it really can do, or what it can effectively treat. This also means that there’s a lot of skepticism. Is it going to make a difference for me? Is it just hokey home remedies and fluffy herbal concoctions? It’s not based on science is it? It’s not “western medicine” really, right?
So how do you know if Naturopathy is going to work for you?
Ask yourself these questions:
– Am I satisfied with the care I’m getting from my PCP or specialist with my health concerns?
– Do I feel like something is missing from my treatments?
– Do I wonder if they are treating the reason I got sick in the first place, or are they just treating my symptoms?
– Do I feel heard and understood by my doctors? Do they spend enough time with me?
– Do I get good explanations and rationales for treatments? Do they explain their strategy?
– Do I feel like I’m getting better, getting the results that I want from my treatments?
– Do I instinctively know that if I addressed other seemingly unrelated issues, like the way I eat and how active I am in the world, then I would feel better?
Let me clarify some doubts:
– Yes we use western diagnostic tools and criteria to find out what is going on with you
– Yes we draw blood, do routine physical exams, and ask you a thorough health history like a “normal” doctor would.
– Yes we utilize scientific studies of herbs, nutrition, vitamins, minerals, exercise and pharmaceuticals to treat you most appropriately.
– Yes we utilize home remedies that aren’t scientifically studied but are time tested.
– Yes we spend 30-90 minutes with you, including emotionally and motivationally counseling you as well as educating you on your physiology, your health goals and treatment options.
– Yes we collaborate with specialists in all areas of medicine, including surgeons, cardiologist, orthopedists, other primary care doctors as well as the alternative medical practitioners, such as acupuncturists, massage therapists, chiropractors, dietitians, and physical therapists.