Seeking A Naturopathic Doctor Tempe AZ

By Bonnie Contreras


Prior to finding a naturopathic doctor Tempe AZ it is important to know what it is they offer and what they can do. They are considered another choice outside of traditional medicine but are known to work along with it. It is the right of each individual to have their health and wellness be in a good state. Finding the way that works best is just part of taking care of one's self.

Although these physicians are also called naturopaths, all naturopaths are not licensed to practice medicine. They must attend medical school for four years. A training period is also required under a current practitioner. Board exams come next and then they can obtain a license to practice in their state.

Before committing to an appointment, take some time to check their credentials. Find out what medical college they attended. The list of accredited schools is very short. Ask if they are licensed to practice. Keep in mind that there are just sixteen states that have regulations in place for licensing. This is one reason that checking them out online or asking direct questions is important.

Natural medicine is what naturopathy is about. The physician takes into account all the different aspects of a persons life. Prepare to spend at least an hour in the doctor's office on the first visit. The physician will wish to review the mental, spiritual, emotional, environmental as well as physical state of their new patient. There will also be some testing needed. Creating from this information the way to best rid the patient of what may be making them ill.

It is common practice to use supplements, herbal medicines, and homeopathy. So are dietary changes and detox methods. After a diagnosis there is no one remedy for everyone. Treatment is highly individualized and usually involves more than one remedy. The patient is expected to be an active participant as well.

A naturopathic physician starts with the idea that the body is able to heal itself. They just need to find what is interrupting the healing process, then remove it. This is why patient participation is so important because sometimes a lifestyle change is needed. Educating the patient is a major tenet of naturopathy. They will know how each part of what is prescribed works with the other and why it has been issued. The doctor will need to know if the patient is currently using conventional methods for their symptoms. Even supplements can cause an interaction.

An visit to the ND does not have to be for a current problem. In fact part of their practice is prevention of disease. It is better to prevent it than to have to cure it. This is done primarily by building the body's natural defenses. Usually diet, nutrition and lifestyle are first in line.

As a general practitioner, the naturopathic doctor Tempe AZ may be a good choice. They handle everything with an eye toward what is natural and the least invasive. They will refer their patients to another physician, when required. A general practitioner often sends their patients to a specialist as well. It is a different experience for a patient to be true participant in their own healthcare.




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