"I keep hearing about ‘natural doctors’. What are they?"

Naturopathic Medicine is practiced in the State of Arizona exclusively by Naturopathic Medical Doctors, or NMD's. Naturopaths are trained very similarly to your standard physician with 4 years of medical school in conjunction, in many cases, with residencies and specialties. In Arizona, NMD’s are the equivalent of a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) in that they are licensed as a Primary Care Provider (PCP). This entitles an NMD to act as your own family physician. Your NMD can be seen for your annual physical exam, yearly PAP smear or prostate exam, or child vaccinations (if the patient chooses!). They treat with standard and recognized medical diagnoses, they can prescribe most pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, insulin, Metformin, pain medicines, anti-inflammatories, birth control, hormone replacement, etc…), they send out for imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT), they can pull your blood and order standard (or ‘not-so standard’) lab work, they offer injection and IV therapies, and even conduct minor surgical procedures!

"So after stating all the above, what is the difference compared to my ‘regular’ doctor?"

Naturopathic physicians are specially trained during all years of medical school in the following: Nutritional biochemistry, diet and metabolism, botanical medicines (herbs), acupuncture, mind / body techniques, spirituality, spinal manipulation, and medical massage and homeopathy.

"Wow! I didn't realize those guys existed! I didn't realize they could do so many things! So how do they incorporate all of that ‘stuff’ to help me?"

The most important concept to understand about your naturopathic physician is that they offer medical options. They are trained in, and therefore can offer you balanced, informed, and without judgment, various options for your medical problem. In most cases they treat without drugs or recommended surgery, however when it is warranted, rest assured your naturopathic doctor will let you know. Either way, your NMD is part of your team. He or she will work together with you to find the right treatment approach (Eastern/ Western, herbs/drugs, acupuncture/IVs, meditation/surgery) for your economic and comfort level.

"How do I find out more if naturopathy is for me?"

Call D4D today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Naturopathic medicine is a new step toward medical empowerment and a healthier future! We, at D4D, look at every aspect of health and wellness, not just the conventional ones.