If you have recently been diagnosed with a disease or a medical condition, you may be wondering what you can do for treatment aside from traditional medication. Many people today want to try alternative methods to treat medical conditions but have no idea where to start. One area that is becoming increasingly popular with patients is Naturopathic medicine. This medical category involves an emphasis on prevention, treatment and health quality based on therapeutic methods. Naturopathic medicine focuses on self-healing with modern and traditional means as well as empirical and scientific methods.

For naturopathic medicine, one will visit a naturopathic doctor. This type of physician will use modern science as well as natural methods for treatment. A naturopathic doctor will focus on traditional healing methods, including holistic methods, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The protocols of naturopathic medicine are quite different than traditional medicine. The goal is to risk harm and help facilitate the ability of the body to restore health and maintain the overall good quality of health. The physician works to identify barriers and remove them in order to create a healing internal environment.

A Naturopathic Physician can be found in private practice, hospitals, clinics and community settings. To qualify as a naturopathic physician, an individual must complete specific training before being licensed as a health-care physician. A naturopathic physician will treat all medical conditions and can focus on the individual as well as overall family health care. Common conditions treated by a naturopathic physician include:

• Allergies
• Digestive issues
• Obesity
• Chronic pain
• Respiratory conditions
• Hormonal imbalances
• Fertility issues
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• And more

During your first visit, you will find that the naturopathic physician will take their time reviewing your health and any concerns. Your health history will be gathered and additional information such as your diet, levels of stress, tobacco use, alcohol use, etc. The physician will also discuss why you have decided to come to their office for assistance.

After speaking with your, an exam may take place as well as diagnostic testing. Physicians in the naturopathic medicine field stay up to date on scientific research so they know the latest ways to treat certain conditions. Once your health has been reviewed, the physician will create a customized strategy for health management. You may also be referred to other physicians for additional treatment.

During the first visit, a patient should expect to be in the office for one to two hours. Follow up visits may be required which can take 30 minutes to an hour to complete. What you will find that varies from a traditional physician and a naturopathic physician is that they take their time talking with you. The naturopathic physician will ask several questions about your overall health and will work to understand your overall health goals.

The goal of a naturopathic physician is to gather enough information by speaking with the patient as well as completing any examinations needed. Once completed, a plan of action is put in place to help manage any health conditions as well as working to improve overall health.

In this area of medicine, there are several principles that physicians will adhere to. The Healing Power of Nature, Identify and Treat the Causes as well as First Do No Harm are included in these principles. Perhaps the most important is First Do No Harm. Naturopathic physicians will follow certain guidelines to adhere to these principles.

This includes using methods and medicines that will provide minimal risk of harmful side effects, avoiding the harmful suppression of symptoms and acknowledge as well as respecting the self-healing process of the individual.

Overall, naturopathic medicine can be a great way for individuals to receive the treatment needed to alleviate a medical condition or just maintain an overall healthy quality of life.