What Is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is built on the understanding that the body has an innate, natural ability to heal itself. At Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ , our naturopathic doctors guide that process by tailoring care to each individual, emphasizing disease prevention, and promoting optimal health through natural therapeutics backed by science and clinical evidence, combined with modern diagnostics and prescription medications when needed.
Request an AppointmentA Unique Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
Naturopathy is a distinct field of healthcare. A naturopathic doctor (ND) artfully applies the science and philosophy of diagnosing, treating, and helping prevent illness through diverse techniques, including both modern and traditional methods grounded in science and empirical evidence. Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, your ND looks at how your body systems work together and identifies the obstacles that may be keeping you from feeling well. Read more about how these ideas shape our care on our Living Wellness Philosophy page.
How Are Naturopathic Doctors Certified?
In the United States, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, peer review, and a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research. The naturopathic scope of practice varies between states, and Arizona offers NDs one of the broadest scopes in the country. Learn more on our Scope of Practice for NDs page. Founded on a holistic philosophy, naturopathic medicine combines safe and effective traditional therapies with the most current advances in modern medicine and is appropriate for managing a broad range of health conditions affecting people of all ages.
Naturopathic Medical Education
The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree is a rigorous, four-year, graduate-level medical program. It is comparable in its demands to a conventional medical education, covering the same foundational sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and clinical diagnosis, while adding extensive training in natural therapeutics and whole-person care.
Naturopathic Medical Training Includes
- Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Botanical Medicine
- Environmental Medicine
- Homeopathic Medicine
- Mind-Body Medicine
- Minor Surgery
- Nutrition
- Hydrotherapy
- Pharmacotherapy
- Physical Medicine and Naturopathic Manipulative Therapy
View the Naturopathic Medical Education Comparative Curricula
Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools
The U.S. Secretary of Education has charged the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) with accrediting colleges that offer doctorates in naturopathic medicine. CNME-accredited naturopathic programs include:
- Bastyr University – Kenmore, Washington and San Diego, California campuses
- Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine – New Westminster, BC, Canada
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – North York, Ontario, Canada
- National College of Natural Medicine – Portland, Oregon
- National University of Health Sciences – Lombard, Illinois
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences – Tempe, Arizona
- University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine – Bridgeport, Connecticut
How Naturopathic Medicine Is Practiced at Living Wellness
Our naturopathic physicians put this extensive training to work through therapies such as constitutional homeopathy, botanical medicine, acupuncture and cupping, nutrition and dietary counseling, bioidentical hormone therapy, and nutrient IV therapy. Each plan is guided by advanced laboratory testing and a thorough understanding of your history, so you receive care that addresses the root of your concerns. See the full range of conditions we treat.
Naturopathic Medicine FAQs
What does a naturopathic doctor do?
A naturopathic doctor diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent acute and chronic illness by identifying the underlying cause of symptoms and using natural therapies, lifestyle changes, and conventional treatments when appropriate.
Are naturopathic doctors real doctors?
Yes. Licensed naturopathic doctors complete a four-year, graduate-level medical program at an accredited school, pass national board exams, and are licensed by the state in which they practice.
What is the difference between a naturopath and a naturopathic doctor?
A licensed naturopathic doctor has graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical school and holds a state license. The term “naturopath” is sometimes used by people without this level of medical training or licensure.
What therapies do naturopathic doctors use?
NDs are trained in botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, mind-body medicine, physical medicine, minor surgery, and pharmacotherapy, among other therapies.
Is naturopathic medicine evidence-based?
Naturopathic medicine combines traditional therapies with modern scientific research and diagnostics. Our physicians use laboratory testing and clinical evidence to guide individualized treatment decisions.
Can naturopathic medicine be used alongside conventional care?
Yes. Naturopathic care can complement treatment from your other healthcare providers, and our doctors coordinate care and prescribe medications when needed.
Who can benefit from naturopathic medicine?
People of all ages can benefit, including those with hormone imbalances, digestive issues, fatigue, thyroid concerns, autoimmune conditions, and anyone interested in preventing illness and optimizing their health.
Experience Naturopathic Medicine in Phoenix
Discover how a root-cause, whole-person approach can help you feel your best. Call Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at (480) 588-6856 to schedule your initial naturopathic consultation.
