Naturopathy, the practice of naturopathic medicine, is a comprehensive and advanced system of medicine that draws on a range of therapeutic systems, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy and environmental medicine. Naturopathic Doctors are authorities in natural medicine and preventative health care, integrating scientific knowledge with traditional healing wisdom.
Naturopathic treatments can complement conventional medicine or be used effectively on their own. Aimed at improving health and addressing illness in people of all ages, it is the art, science, philosophy and practice of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness, using natural therapies and natural medicines.
Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles that underlie and determine its practice. Methods used are chosen upon the basis of patient individuality. Naturopathic physicians work to restore balance in a gentle and effective way, minimizing the potential for side effects. Naturopathic treatment addresses the root causes of illness, rather than treating or suppressing symptoms. The aim of the naturopathic physician is always to respect and support the body's ability to heal itself.
Naturopathic Physicians
Much as in the training of a conventional medical doctor, naturopathic medical students attend a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school, after which they must pass North American board examinations (NPLEX) to obtain a license to practice medicine. The training of a naturopathic physician develops unique skills in bridging conventional and natural medicine, providing patients with knowledgeable advocates who can help them make informed choices about their health. Naturopathic doctors believe that all medicine has a place and it is up to the skill and experience of the physician to determine when a particular medicine should be administered, whether natural or synthetic, non-invasive or invasive.
Naturopathic physicians are trained to provide primary care
and/or naturopathic specialty care and are experts in the use of natural
therapies and drug-nutrient and drug-herb interactions. Currently, naturopathic
physicians practice in a wide range of in-patient and out-patient settings,
such as the Cancer Treatment Centers of
To find out more, visit the website of the American Association
of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
Please note: While Maria has been trained to be a primary care physician, the state of Ohio does NOT license naturopathic medicine. Therefore, she is NOT able to serve as a primary care doctor in this state. She does NOT perform physical exams, draw blood, or diagnose specific illness.