What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians clinically trained in the art and science of natural medicine. Natural medicine is steeped in philosophy derived from 2000 year old Hippocratic teaching -- the Vis mediatrix naturae - nature is the healer of all diseases. Naturopathic Doctors are experts in natural medicine.

Naturopathic doctors receive their training from federally recognized, four-year, postgraduate level Naturopathic Medical schools. Although naturopathic training encompasses the same basic bio-medical science that conventional medical practice embraces, the approach to health and disease differs considerably. NDs are well prepared in their training to serve patients of all ages -- from infancy through maturity. NDs use history and physical exam to diagnose and monitor treatment. They refer to medical specialists when appropriate. In addition to diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions with scientific lab testing and imaging, NDs are also skilled in observing and working with the body to correct imbalance. The goal is to eliminate the obstacles to healing and to provide the tools for patients to take responsibility for their health. This approach offers patients the opportunity to learn about and incorporate healthy lifestyles and thereby maintain resiliency and wellness for life.

The type of treatment chosen is based on the individual needs of the patient. This approach has proven successful in the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. Treatment relies on the use of clinically successful, time tested, and often-researched natural methods. Such methods or modalities include botanical medicine, counseling, homeopathy, flower essences, hydrotherapy, physical manipulation, biotherapeutic drainage and others. ND’s strive to assist their patients in attaining and maintaining optimal health throughout the transitions that life brings.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic doctors incorporate the following principles in their own lives, and with every patient they encounter, thus promoting responsible and healthy living for the individual and for society as a whole.

First Do No Harm
Treatments that acknowledge, respect and work with the individual’s self-healing process are encouraged. Suppressive treatments are avoided, as are treatments that have potential to cause harmful side effects.

The Healing Power of Nature
Naturopathic doctors recognize the inherent self-healing process in every person. They utilize treatments and lifestyle changes that facilitate the natural healing process.

Identify and treat the cause
Naturopathic doctors seek to find and eliminate the root cause of illness.

Treat the Whole Person
Each patient is an individual that may manifest disease and imbalance differently. Mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, genetic, environmental and social issues are addressed. NDs know their patients because they spend time with them.

Prevention
Prevention is emphasized through assessing risk factors, disposition, heredity and susceptibility to disease. Appropriate interventions and lifestyle modifications are suggested to promote health and prevent chronic and debilitating health conditions.

Doctor as Teacher
Naturopathic doctors educate their patients.  Disease processes are explained as are healthy lifestyles and habits that promote wellness. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for walking their own path to wellness.

Licensing of Naturopathic Physicians

Currently, thirteen states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico have licensed Naturopathic doctors as primary care physicians. In these states, Naturopathic Doctors are required to graduate from one of the four-year, residential Naturopathic Medical schools and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license. Licensed Naturopathic Physicians must also fulfill state-mandated continuing education requirements annually. In addition, they have a specific scope of practice defined by their state’s law. The states with current licensing laws for Naturopathic Physicians are Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

Current Legislation in Alaska

In Alaska, Naturopathic Physicians are licensed as primary care physicians, able to diagnose and treat illness similarly to an MD who practices as a general practitioner or family practice doctor. Naturopathic Physicians can order laboratory tests, imaging and utilize these tools as well as an extensive history and physical exam to diagnose and manage illness. Naturopathic Physicians in Alaska are not at this time licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical medicine or to perform minor surgery.

We are currently working with the legislators in Juneau to update the licensing in the state of Alaska to allow Naturopathic Physicians to practice to the full extent of their training. This would allow patients increased freedom of choice in their primary health care provider.