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Question 1

What exactly is Naturopathic Medicine?

Answer

Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine where doctors strive to find and understand the underlying cause of a symptom(s) and assess the body as a whole. Once underlying imbalances are identified and rebalanced the body’s innate ability to heal will prevail and a patient will again find wellness.

Naturopathic Medicine is based on six principles: 1. First, Do No Harm encompasses three precepts: utilize modalities that minimize the risk of harmful side effects, avoid harmful suppression of symptoms and respect the innate ability of each individual to make health decisions in tune with their own self-healing process. 2. The Healing Power of Nature acknowledges the innate wisdom in nature, including the human spirit to facilitate and direct its own recovery and healing processes. The role of the naturopath is to identify and remove obstacles to this curative path. 3. Identify and Treat the Cause directs the naturopath to recognize and remove underlying susceptibilities and causes of illness instead of simply addressing symptoms. 4. Doctor as Teacher, my favorite principle, incorporates education about disease and health to each and every patient while encouraging self-responsibility for their health. This often represents much of the extended time (one hour, plus) naturopaths spend with each person on their individualized needs. 5. Treat the Whole Person addresses not only the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health but also the genetic, social and environmental factors influencing our lives. 6. Prevention, ok another favorite, addresses heredity, potential risk factors, and susceptibility to disease thereby allowing proper interventions before dis-ease or complications of disease set in.

Question 2

What kind of training do Naturopathic Doctors receive?

Answer

Naturopathic consultants receive a four or five-year, graduate level medical degree. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree (ND) is awarded after classroom, clinical and practical study. NDs receive training in the following medical sciences: Anatomy * Cardiology * Physiology Pediatrics * Biochemistry * Radiology Minor Surgery * Microbiology * Obstetrics Pathology * Immunology * Gynecology Pharmacology * Neurology * Dermatology Geriatrics * Lab diagnosis * Women’s Health *Clinical & Physical diagnosis Throughout the four years, over 700 additional hours are spent learning unique naturopathic therapeutics including clinical nutrition, dietary supplementation, botanical remedies, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy and natural childbirth.

Question 3

Are you Medical Doctors?

Answer

No, we are not MDs. We are naturopathic doctors (ND).

In Pennsylvania we work as a consultant to address your health concerns with a comprehensive and holistic approach. We use preventive and natural medicine to address the roots of your health challenges and help you achieve your goals. We can confer with your primary care doctor and local team of healthcare professionals if required.

Accredited Naturopaths currently have a bill before the State of PA legislature to license Naturopathic Doctors who graduated from accredited four (4) year Naturopathic medical schools.

Question 4

Do you prescribe medications?

Answer

No. Even though we are trained in pharmacology, we are not licensed in PA to prescribe medications. We focus on natural, non-toxic, non-invasive methods to address your health concerns.

Question 5

Do you take insurance?

Answer

No. Currently the state of PA does not yet recognize Naturopathic doctors as physicians. Pennsylvania naturopaths are currently working on getting licensure passed for Naturopathic Medicine in PA. Once licensure is passed, insurance billing can be pursued.

We provide every patient with an itemized receipt after each consultation. We encourage you to submit it to your insurance for reimbursement anyway (some patients do receive coverage), and of course, contact your local representative.