If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “What exactly is naturopathic medicine?” you’re not alone. Here in the Midwest, where naturopathic doctors aren’t widely licensed and the term isn’t widely known, it’s easy to run into mixed messages. Is it like functional medicine? Is it all herbs? Are there crystals and woo-woo involved? Is it even real medicine?

Let’s clear things up.

At Its Core: Rooted in Nature, Informed by Science

Naturopathic medicine is a holistic, science-informed approach to health that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of illness, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal, and using the least invasive methods first. In my practice, that often means helping clients better understand their symptoms, their lab results, and how their daily habits may be supporting—or sabotaging—their health. We talk about food, stress, sleep, movement, and mindset. We use natural tools like nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle shifts to support the body’s natural processes.

In simple terms: it’s about helping people feel better by working with the body—not against it.

We’re not here to sell you miracle cures or ask you to give up your medications. In fact, many of my clients work with both me and their conventional doctors. When done right, naturopathic care isn’t alternative, it’s complementary.

Yes, Naturopathic Doctors Go to Medical School

This is one of the most common (and fair) questions I get. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) complete a four-year, graduate-level medical program at an accredited naturopathic medical school. The curriculum includes conventional sciences—anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology—plus extensive training in clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle counseling and mind-body approaches.

While I reside in an unlicensed state, my training and credentials are the same as any ND practicing in licensed states. I stay current with continuing education and use modern tools like functional lab testing, when appropriate, to guide my recommendations.

The title “naturopath” gets thrown around loosely sometimes, but rest assured: this is real medical training, not a weekend course.

What It Looks Like in Practice

One of the biggest differences you’ll notice with naturopathic care is the time we take. My initial visits are often 60–90 minutes long. That’s because we dig into your full health story—when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, what your labs show, and how your daily habits may be helping or hurting your progress.

I might recommend advanced testing when needed, but I’m also mindful about keeping things practical and clear. My goal is not to hand you a long list of supplements or an overwhelming diet protocol—it’s to provide a clear, personalized strategy, along with the education that helps you feel more confident and informed.

Common Health Concerns in the Naturopathic Office

While NDs are trained to address a wide range of conditions, my practice focuses primarily on:

• Digestive issues like SIBO, IBS, and bloating
• Thyroid concerns including hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s
• Autoimmunity, inflammation and chronic fatigue
• Female hormonal concerns

No two people are the same, even if their diagnosis is. That’s why I don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach and why many patients find answers here that they haven’t found elsewhere. 

Is Naturopathic Medicine Right for You?

If you’re someone who wants to understand why you’re not feeling your best—and you’re open to making sustainable shifts in diet and lifestyle to support your health—then yes, this kind of care could be a great fit.

If you’re looking for a quick fix or are not ready to explore lifestyle factors, this might not be the right time. That’s okay too. 

I work best with people who are curious, thoughtful, and ready to take a more active role in their health—whether they’re brand new to natural medicine or have been down this road before.

It Might Be New to You, But It’s Not New

Midwestern values like practicality, resourcefulness, and getting to the root of a problem are baked into naturopathic medicine. In fact, many of the tools I use—food, rest, movement, time in nature—are things our grandparents might have recognized as medicine. We’ve just forgotten how powerful they can be when used with intention and support.

So no, it’s not about trendy detoxes or expensive supplement packages. It’s about finding what actually supports your body, at this moment in your life.

Curious? That’s All You Need to Get Started

You don’t have to be “all in” to benefit from this work. You don’t need to believe in crystals, cut out every food you enjoy, or feel guilty for not being perfectly healthy.

If you’re curious, that’s more than enough. My job is to meet you where you are, offer guidance, and help you move toward feeling better one step at a time.