questions to ask a naturopathic doctor

luvmum said:

Do you mind if I ask
What is a naturopathic doctor?

ND's and naturopaths
A naturopathic doctor is known as an ND. They have studied and I believe the same amount of time as an MD, but not positive on that. The center where I go has several doctors, most of whom are ND's, but a couple are MD's who have gone holistic. Some medical doctors have gone holistic/natural and call themselves holistic doctors,which may be similar but is different. Some practitioners call themselves naturopaths, which is not to be confused with naturopathic dr's. A "naturopath" can be mostly self taught, but I believe to actually use that title has to have gone through some official training and classes. Naturopaths/naturpathic doctors take an approach that is a whole body health and of preventing disease by bringing the body to health through diet/nutrition, herbal/natural supplements, detoxes and cleanses that are supposed to rid the body of things such as pesticides and other chemicals, heavy metals, and even microorganisms and parasites. Many also use additional techniques like lymphatic massage to release clogged lymph nodes, chiropractics, accupuncture, accupressure, some use things such as ionic footbaths for detoxing and energizing the blood cells (mine doesn't use that though). It is their belief that although some medications are useful and perhaps neccessary, that most medications act as "bandaids", treating only symptoms but not actually addressing the underlying problems in the body that are causing discomfort, illnesses, and disease. My naturopathic dr was diagnosed with a very debilitating form of arthritis as a teenager. Currently, I think he's in his 60's. He does walk with a limp, but he was told he'd be in a wheelchair by the time he was 30 and so he took his own health into his hands and is doing pretty well. He said he has had some great successes with people with fibromyalgia, some that are in complete remission from it. He is also working with several cancer patients- some who are going the complete natural route, some who have been in chemo and quit chemo to start the natural route, and some like me who are incorporating the chemo and natural together. He actually said he believes that is the best for me right now. Many naturopaths won't say that- they believe anything "western" medicine is bad, but I think the wise ND's acknowledge that sometimes both together are needed. That's just my opinion.

Because the "natural" approach isn't heavily regulated like regular medical doctors are, I've discovered that different naturopaths and naturopathic doctors do not all do the same things and remedies. The place where I have been going for the past three months is called the Center For Advanced Medicine in Encinitas, CA (you can google their website if you want to read about what they have to say, as an example of at least one approach and mindset).

Just thought I'd share what I've learned- others may chime in as well.
Lisa