Frequently Asked Questions
What is a naturopathic doctor (ND)? Naturopathic doctors receive their education and training from accredited naturopathic medical colleges. They diagnose, prevent, and treat both acute and chronic illnesses, aiming to restore and establish optimal health by supporting the body's natural self-healing process. Naturopathic doctors seek to identify and address the underlying causes of illness, instead of masking symptoms. They create personalized treatment plans to guide their patients on the health journey. Naturopathic medicine is guided by the Therapeutic Order: 1. Remove Obstacles to Health: Health is considered the natural state of the body, and it can be disrupted by factors that lead to disease. The first step towards regaining health is to eliminate these disturbances, which may include poor diet, digestive issues, chronic stress, toxin exposure, and hormonal imbalances.ย 2. Stimulate the Self-Healing Mechanisms: Naturopathic doctors use various therapies to help activate and strengthen the body's self-healing abilities. These therapies may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicines, and homeopathy. 3. Strengthen Weakened Systems: This step focuses on repairing and enhancing specific tissues, organs, or systems that need attention. Naturopathic doctors use lifestyle interventions, dietary modifications, botanical medicine, nutritional supplements, and homeopathy. 4. Correct Structural Integrity: Physical therapies such as spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and craniosacral therapy are utilized to improve and maintain the structural integrity of the skeletal and muscular systems.ย 5. Use Natural Substances to Restore and Regenerate: The primary goal of naturopathic medicine is to restore health rather than simply treat diseases. When addressing specific pathologies, naturopathic doctors use safe and effective natural substances that do not introduce additional toxins or burden the body further. 6. Use Pharmacologic Substances to Halt Progressive Pathology: Naturopathic doctors are trained in pharmacology and can prescribe pharmaceutical drugs when necessary, depending on state regulations. They may prescribe these medications themselves or refer patients to conventional medical colleagues. 7. Use High Force, Invasive Modalities to Halt Pathology, e.g. surgery, radiation, chemotherapy: In situations where life, limb, or function must be preserved, naturopathic doctors refer patients to specialists such as MDs, DOs, PAs, or NPs. Concurrently, they may provide complementary or supportive therapies to reduce side effects and enhance the effectiveness of these invasive procedures.
โโWhat are the principles of naturopathic medicine? First Do No Harm Core to all medical practice is the desire to help the human form and condition. NDs typically approach care by utilizing the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies. NDs will refer when the patientโs presentation is outside their scope or level of skill. The Healing Power of Nature NDs recognize the value of our natural world in assisting the healing process. Not only do NDs utilize substances that originate in nature, but they also incorporate a healthy natural environment as foundational to human health. Naturopathic doctors recognize and harness the bodyโs inherent wisdom to heal itself in order to guide patients to wellness and total health. Identify and Treat the Causes There is a time and place for symptom suppression, however most naturopathic patients will benefit from identifying the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure. Doctor as Teacher Naturopathic doctors elevate patient health literacy. That means that NDs are part of the team helping patients have a better understanding of what it takes to be and stay well. Through education and a trust-based relationship, patients better understand the steps they need to take to achieve and maintain health. Treat the Whole Person Naturopathic doctors understand the interconnectedness of our body, our environment and our lifestyle on total health. It is only through this whole-person-based approach that NDs seek to restore balance and health. Prevention Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is better to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible. Through their comprehensive practice, NDs combine all six principles in order to identify potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well.
What kind of education is required of naturopathic doctors? โโโ A licensed naturopathic physician (ND) completes a four-year, accredited, graduate-level program at a naturopathic medical school. They receive training in the same biomedical sciences as medical doctors (MDs), but their education also includes natural and non-toxic treatments, with a strong focus on disease prevention and wellness optimization. The curriculum covers standard medical subjects, alongside courses in clinical nutrition, physical medicine, homeopathy, botanical medicine, and psychology. To be licensed as primary care general practice physicians, naturopathic doctors must pass rigorous board exams, meeting the requirements of the state or jurisdiction where they practice.
How does naturopathic doctor (ND) education compare to a medical doctor (MD)?
Do you accept insurance? Go Natural Health is a cash-based practice and does not accept insurance. Payment is due at time of services rendered. If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA), you may be able to use it for appointments, labs, and/or supplements. You will need to check with your provider. If you live in California and have insurance coverage for naturopathic medicine, a superbill can be produced for you to submit for possible reimbursement.
โโโโAre all services virtual? Yes. This allows you to meet with Dr. Nanci from the comfort of your own home or wherever is convenient. You can choose to meet over Zoom or by telephone.
Who can work with Dr. Nanci? Dr. Nanci provides holistic health care across the United States, but at this time, she is not able to work in all states. If you reside in California and Wisconsin, you can see Dr. Nanci for medical treatment. If you live in one of the states listed below, you can consult with Dr. Nanci but she is not able to act as your doctor. You will be required to be under the care of a primary care physician. She is still able to use all of her knowledge to help guide your health journey. Arkansas Delaware Georgia Illinois Indiana Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Nevada New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma South Dakota Texas Virginia West Virginia Wyoming