Naturopaths (NMD or ND) are trained as primary health care practitioners who address the underlying cause of disease through individualized natural therapies. They are trained to be the doctor first seen by the patient for general health care, for advice on keeping healthy, and for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and serious, chronic or debilitating disease. Therefore, people can go to Naturopaths for colds, bronchitis, allergies, and back pains as well as for heart disease, diabetes, and adjunctive cancer therapies.
Naturopaths are recognized in Arizona as licensed physicians who are trained not only in the naturopathic therapeutics but also in conventional diagnostic lab tests, X-rays, physical exams, pharmaceuticals and minor surgeries. Given this broad training, Naturopathic physicians are best able to integrate conventional and alternative medicine. NMD’s do have limitations however. When the illness requires specialized information or emergency treatment, a referral to another health care practitioner or specialist is given.
Naturopathic Medical Doctors (NMD) are the only physicians who receive complete training in conventional medicine as well as the philosophy and modalities of natural medicine. Naturopathic Medical Doctor is the credential granted to a graduate of one of the four accredited naturopathic medical colleges in the US or one of two such schools in Canada.
Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care practitioners with the ability to provide a wide range of individual, family, and community healthcare for people of all ages. The state of Arizona has licensed NMD’s as primary care doctors. Under this license we able to order diagnostic tests, diagnose and treat disease just as a traditional doctor would. Naturopathic doctors may also recommended alternative testing such as salivary hormone testing, food sensitivity testing, extensive stool analysis, or urine hormone testing. Naturopathic doctors have prescription privileges and prescribe natural and synthetic hormones including, bioidentical hormones, thyroid hormone replacement, birth control, and cortisol.
Caution: Some persons who identify themselves as “NDs” are generally not licensable in any state. Make sure your practitioner is licensed, a graduate of an accredited naturopathic medical college, or a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.