Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ND and an MD/DO?

Although NDs, MDs, and DOs all attend 4-year, postbaccalaureate medical school and learn the same basic and clinical sciences, conventional and naturopathic doctors diverge when it comes to treatment options. In the last two years of medical school, MDs and DOS typically start deciding what area they will specialize in, and learn treatment options like medication and surgery. Conventional doctors are taught to make a diagnosis and follow a certain “standard of care” for that diagnosis, which often involves prescription medication. Naturopathic doctors are also taught to make a diagnosis and follow the standard of care, however, NDs make recommendations based on lifestyle and low force interventions such as herbal and nutritional supplementation whenever possible to mitigate the need for drugs and create the conditions for long term health.

Should my ND replace my conventional doctor?

No! One of the most commonly held myths is the medical community is that Naturopathic doctors are somehow “anti-conventional medicine.” This myth also purports that NDs are “against” drugs, vaccines, surgeries, and other conventional treatment options. In fact, NDs are taught that there is a correct time and place for every treatment option. NDs aren’t taught to “replace” conventional doctors-rather, your conventional and naturopathic doctor should always work together to ensure that you are always getting the best care possible. In the same sense that a cardiologist and kidney specialist may complement each other in the treatment of a patient, a Naturopathic doctor can be thought of as another type of “specialist,” focusing on holistic, natural treatment options based on lifestyle modification.

What is the difference between an ND and a MD/DC/DO, etc who practices “functional medicine,” or advertises themselves as “holistic?”

While other practitioners have options to learn a more holistic or functional approach independently through research or seminars, the fact of the matter is only Naturopathic doctors get the comprehensive and foundational education in naturopathic philosophy (click here to learn more about naturopathic philosophy). Oftentimes, physicians who advertise themselves as “holistic” fall into a trap that NDs call “green allopathy,” which is the practice of simply replacing drugs with supplements or botanicals to cover up symptoms. This differs from Naturopathic philosophy, which states that in order to truly restore health, we must discover and address the root cause of illness, rather than simply attempt to mask or reduce symptoms.

Why aren’t NDs licensed nationwide? Why aren’t NDs licensed in (my state)?

ND licensure is still a work in progress, and licensure and scope of practice vary widely between states. Currently, 17 states, 5 Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands have laws regulating Naturopathic medicine and the licensure of NDs. In order to be licensed, an ND must have graduated from a four year residential naturopathic medical school and pass both parts of a postdoctoral board examination called NPLEX. Typically, even NDs working in unregulated states hold licenses in regulated states.

Why do I need an ND? Can’t my local health store clerk answer any questions I might have?

Unqualified advice tends to be cheap and readily available, but rarely meets our expectations. Health store clerks are technically forbidden from giving health advice to customers because they have little to no training on the correct use of supplements and botanicals. At best, advice like this is merely harmless but very expensive, and at worst it can actually be dangerous. Certain vitamins and botanicals in high doses can cause adverse reactions, and many of these products interact with drugs and other supplements, setting up the possibility of interactions. Many supplements sold over the counter, or directly to consumers, are very poorly regulated and are often worthless. Companies with high quality products exclusively sell to licensed health care providers who will correctly and safely prescribe their products to clients.

How can I tell if an ND is legitimate?

Unfortunately, in unlicensed states where the usage of the title “Naturopathic doctor” is unregulated, confusion can arise when someone advertises themselves as an ND, when in fact they don’t have the necessary training or credentials to practice naturopathic medicine. People seeking Naturopathic medicine are then put in an awkward position where they must differentiate between a legitimately trained ND and one who is using the title to attract business. Some steps you can take to protect yourself is to always ask what school your doctor graduated from-accredited Naturopathic programs are only offered at 8 schools in the US & Canada (the list can be found here ) Don’t hesitate to ask if you can see your doctor’s diploma! Online correspondence courses and a degree from any school other than the 8 mentioned are very good indications that the “ND” doesn’t have legitimate training. True NDs should also either be licensed or board-eligible for licensure.

Why do you refer to me a “client” and not a “patient?”

Most conventional (and many naturopathic) doctors refer to the people they serve as patients. We feel the word “patient” implies a certain passive approach to health that consists of a patriarchal doctor figure who tells you what to do and “knows what’s best.” At Alsop Naturopathic Wellness, our focus is to make you feel both educated and empowered-an equal partner in the realization of your ideal health. We use the word “client” because we don’t ever want to lose sight of our purpose: to serve you by giving you the tools and education you need to reclaim your vitality. Don’t ever hesitate to tell us how we can serve you better!

What is the difference between a Naturopathic doctor and a homeopath?

NDs frequently get mistaken for homeopaths, but homeopathy is a practice that, while taught in Naturopathic medical school, is far from the only modality that Naturopathic doctors have to offer. Homeopathy is the treatment of disease using the principle, “like cures like.” Homeopathic prescriptions involve the ingestion of a substance that has been diluted so many times, none of the original substance remains. This is radically different from typical nutritional supplementation or botanical medicine. Use of homeopathy as a treatment option for patients varies amongst NDs- some practices have a significant emphasis on it, and others don’t use it at all. At Alsop Naturopathic Wellness, we strive to recommend mainly clinical and evidence based options, therefore, we very rarely use homeopathy, unless a patient specifically requests it.

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