A licensed naturopathic physician’s primary focus is education and disease prevention through natural remedies, so if you want to understand the workings of your body and find a fix for your ailments, a naturopath is your go-to person.
The “pill for every ill” idea is avoided because the main idea behind naturopathy is that the body knows how to fight off disease, can control its functions, and can get better from being sick. Greek, Tibetan, Ayurvedic, and Chinese healing systems have all had some influence, and the importance of diet and nutrition, exercise, fresh air, detoxification, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing, as well as good hygiene, is paramount in naturopathy.
At Journey of Wellness Natural Medical Center, we adopt a holistic approach to therapy, including natural methods to restore optimal health. Dr. Tawainna Houston, our licensed and board-certified naturopathic physician, has many years of experience treating patients. In this article, we’ll discuss how a naturopathic physician can help you on your wellness journey.
What is a Naturopathic Physician?
The training of a licensed naturopathic physician includes a range of holistic healing disciplines. In contrast to traditional medicine, a naturopath uses lifestyle changes, such as a change in diet, to prevent disease and get to the root causes of poor health.
Naturopathy includes therapeutic and physical modalities not found in conventional medicine.
These include:
- Exercise
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Massage
- Craniosacral therapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture
- Complementary botanical remedies
The naturopathic doctor’s comprehensive medical qualifications ensure patients of a personalized regime to help prevent the cause of disease rather than just treating the symptoms.
Could a Naturopathic Physician Help Me?
Hormonal imbalances, weight, digestion, and fertility issues are all treated by naturopathic doctors, as are allergies and headaches. Some can prescribe certain medications in parts of the US and may be trained in natural childbirth.
Conventional and naturopathic medicine can often work synergistically, for instance, in the easing of cancer treatment side-effects, but both healthcare providers must be informed of the treatments prescribed so that they can work safely in tandem.
An initial naturopathic consultation usually takes approximately an hour or more with the patient since background information is gleaned from understanding the lifestyle and medical history. A personalized treatment plan will then be formulated.
Benefits of Naturopathic Medicine
Prevention is keyWhereas conventional medicine focuses on the effects of a disease, licensed naturopathic physicians look to the heart of the problem to holistically eliminate the root causes of health issues.
Naturopathic doctors teach you about your body
Vital tools can help harness the body’s natural ability to fight off disease.
Customized treatment caters explicitly to patients’ needs
Patients become active participants in their healthcare. With their cooperation, healing may be quicker.
Stress and anxiety, major causes of ill health, are treated
Naturopathic physicians understand their patient’s state of mind plays a definitive role in their well-being.
Naturopathic treatment can work hand-in-hand with Conventional medicine
Whilst disease is being treated via conventional doctors and methods; naturopaths can devise treatment plans whereby chronically ill patients improve their lifestyle choices rather than relying solely on drugs and surgery. They also offer helpful complementary combinations of homeopathic, massage, acupuncture, and herbal treatments.
The naturopathic physician’s comprehensive perspective aims to improve overall health, and patients’ habits are placed under the spotlight to devise ways of eliminating disease causes.
How Should I Choose a Naturopathic Doctor?
Some medical and osteopathic doctors, chiropractors, dentists, and nurses have naturopathic training but are not necessarily licensed naturopathic physicians.
To be licensed, as some states require, the practitioner usually attends an accredited four-year, graduate-level medical school. They are also required to pass national board pass exams to become licensed along with maintaining continuing education annual attendance. Such rigorous accountability helps them stay knowledgeable on the latest scientifically proven natural approaches to help you improve your health. .
The formal education of traditional naturopaths varies, but they are unlicensed. Before you visit a naturopathic physician, you must ensure compliance with your state’s licensing requirements and look into the practitioner’s qualifications.
NATUROPATHIC TREATMENTS AVAILABLE IN DECATUR, GEORGIA
If you’re interested in the benefits of naturopathy and how holistic medicine can help you, contact Dr. Tawainna Houston to learn more and schedule an appointment today.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your physician before starting or stopping medications or therapies.