Learn more about Naturopaths
A naturopath specializes in naturopathy or naturopathic medicine. Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine based on the principle of vis medicatrix naturae, or the healing power of nature and the human body. Depending on state regulations, a naturopath may be a naturopathic doctor, medical or osteopathic doctor (MD or DO), another licensed healthcare provider, or an unlicensed layperson.
A naturopath typically:
- Evaluates a patient’s health and illness holistically (as a whole)
- Conducts in-depth patient interviews to learn about a person’s lifestyle, diet, stress levels, exercise habits, environment, family history, and his or her mental, emotional and spiritual state
- Performs a physical exam
- Educates patients about health and wellness
- Orders and interprets laboratory tests and imaging exams if licensed to do so by the state
- Prescribes medications if licensed to do so by the state
- Supports the body’s natural ability to heal and restore itself to health
- Prevents illness by identifying risk factors for disease and intervening to reduce risk
- Treats the patient holistically (as a whole) to individualize therapy
- Diagnoses and treats the cause of disease rather than focusing on the symptoms of a disease
A naturopath may also be known by the following names: naturopathic doctor (ND), traditional naturopath, or naturopathic practitioner.
There are 5037 specialists practicing Naturopathy in the United States with an overall average rating of 4.5 stars. There are 162 hospitals in the United States with affiliated Naturopathy specialists, including Overlake Medical Center, EvergreenHealth Medical Center - Kirkland and Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.