Myths v Facts About Naturopathic Medicine
Myth #1 Naturopathic medicine is not evidence-based
If there was one thing I was trained in during my time in school, it was how to analysis research. Naturopathic medicine is an evidence-informed practice. We use what research is out there on safety and effectiveness to determine what treatments to use.
Myth #2 Naturopathic doctors are not real doctors
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care doctors. They attend an accredited 4 year naturopathic medical school that involves training in how to diagnose and treat acute and chronic disease. They receive hands-on clinical training managing hundreds of patients under the supervision of licensed medical providers. Additionally, they are trained to order labs and imaging, prescribe medications, and perform minor surgery.
Myth #3 Naturopathic doctors are the same as health coaches
While health coaches can be very knowledgeable individuals that help their clients develop healthier habits, naturopathic doctors are not health coaches. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers that can diagnose, treat, and manage health conditions. NDs go through rigorous medical training at an accredited doctorate program, completing 301.5 credits over 4 years. Naturopathic medical programs are only offered in person.
There is no title protection with health coaching. Meaning that anyone can call themselves a health coach, whether they have any credentials or not. Health coaches can however obtain certifications through health coaching programs. Some of the programs are offered online and may take roughly 6 months to complete a total of 12 credits, while other programs are not transparent about their curriculum requirements at all. Again, health coaches can be a great resource, but the term health coach is not synonymous with the title naturopathic doctor.
Myth #4 Naturopaths are the same as naturopathic doctors
This myth can be very confusing because the names sound so similar. Again, naturopaths can be very helpful and knowledgable individuals. However, it is a similar concept as a health coach. A naturopath is a term that anyone can call themselves due to lack of title protection. Some naturopaths complete short online courses that cover natural therapies and ways to help people live healthier lives. However, they are not doctors and are not trained as doctors.
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers through 4 years of graduate level schooling. Naturopathic doctors are trained to diagnose and treat patients based on standard of care. Additionally they undergo in-depth training using holistic approaches to healthcare.
There is a clear difference between a naturopath and a naturopathic doctor. Because of the similarity in names, it is best to distinguish the two by asking about their credentials and schooling. There are only 5 accredited naturopathic medical schools in the United States and 2 in Canada. If they didn’t graduate from a 4-year accredited naturopathic medical school, then they are not a naturopathic doctor. Here's a link to those schools to be sure your ND is really who they say they are! https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-schools/
Myth #5 Naturopathic doctors are anti-medication use
Naturopathic doctors are not only pro-medications, but also trained in how to prescribe them. There are times when medications can be life-saving and improve someone's quality of life. That being said, in some cases medications can be over-prescribed due to lack of alternative treatment options. NDs are always looking at ways to optimize your health and address underlying causes that may eventually lead to someone not needing as much medication or not need any at all.
Myth #6 Naturopathic doctors are the same as homeopaths
Homeopath refers to someone who practices homeopathy. While naturopathic doctors are trained and can prescribe homeopathy, these two terms are not interchangeable. Some homeopaths go through homeopathy specific certification training programs, but they are not trained as doctors.
Myth #7 Naturopathic doctors are witch doctors
Unfortunately naturopathic doctors are normal human beings just like the rest of us with no magical power. We do, however, love to use herbs whose Latin names sound like spells and work like magic. But in all seriousness, naturopathic doctors are highly trained primary care providers that combine conventional and holistic approaches to healing. So no witchcraft here, just evidence-based natural therapies, contrary to belief. Personally, I have gone through too much schooling for people not to take my profession seriously.
Myth #8 Naturopathic doctors are against conventional medicine
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers and educated on the standard of care. Naturopathic medicine and conventional medicine are complimentary. Depending on a person's situation, it may be reasonable to suggest that they see a specialist, get imaging, be prescribed pharmaceuticals, or undergo procedures. NDs are trained to recognize the symptoms of diseases that may fall outside of their scope of practice so that they can refer patients to specialists when appropriate.
Myth #9 You need to choose between naturopathic medicine and conventional medicine
While some people may have their opinions about either type of medicine, I personally believe they are highly complementary to one another. Both conventional and naturopathic medicine have their time and place depending on a person's situation. Finding the right balance of both is crucial to providing patients with the best outcomes.
Myth #10 Naturopathic medicine is ineffective and harmful
Naturopathic medicine is typically very safe and effective depending on what is used and how it is used. Naturopathic doctors are highly trained in natural therapies and stay up-to-date on research. NDs are trained in drug-herb, drug-nutrient, and herb-herb interactions.
Thank you for reading through all this information on the myths of what naturopathic medicine is and I hope this has clarified a lot for you. If you have any more questions, please reach out to me.