Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine supports the body’s own healing abilities and strives to empower individuals to make lifestyle changes necessary for optimal health. Various modalities are incorporated including herbal medicine, physical medicine, lifestyle medicine, and nutrition.
Naturopathic Principles
01. FIRST DO NO HARM – PRIMUM NON NOCERE
a) Naturopathic Medicine follows three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
i) Utilize therapies and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
ii) Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms.
iii) Acknowledge and respect the individual’s healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.
02. IDENTIFY AND TREAT THE CAUSE – TOLLE CAUSAM
a) Naturopathic physicians seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to solely treat symptoms.
03. THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE – VIS MEDICATRIX NATURAE
a) Naturopathic Medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing ability in the body that is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery and to facilitate and augment this healing ability.
04. TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON – TOLLE TOTEM
a) Naturopathic physicians encourage a healing path that takes into account each individual’s unique physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social attributes.
05. DOCTOR AS TEACHER – DOCERE
a) Naturopathic physicians educate patients so they can make informed choices about their health. They also encourage self-responsibility for health and acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
06. PREVENTION- PRAEVENIC
a) Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease, assessing risk factors and heredity, susceptibility to disease, and make appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Naturopathic Medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive
01. DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
a) Assess the Determinants of Health and find the cause of the disturbance to the natural balance of the body.
02. IDENTIFY AND TREAT THE CAUSE – TOLLE CAUSAM
a) Naturopathic physicians seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to solely treat symptoms.
2. STIMULATE THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE
a) Support the body’s natural healing mechanisms and give the body the rest, supportive nutrition and attention necessary for proper functioning.
03. TONIFY SYSTEMS
a) Support specifically the effected systems and facilitate normalization of their function. Give physical and biochemical support to the effected tissues and organ systems.
04. CORRECT STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
a) Manipulate the tissue or bones to facilitate the needed compensation for health to return.
05. NATURAL SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT
a) While attempting further assessment or treatment of the causative factors palliate symptoms at hand while being cautious not to undermine the vis.
06. SYNTHETIC SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT
a) Utilize synthetic treatments designed to alter physiological function in order to control the reaction of the body to the disturbance.
07. SURGERY, CHEMOTHERAPY, ETC
a) When all subtle attempts fail and surgical or suppressive therapy is indicated.
Lab Testing: A Foundational Aspect of Naturopathic Consultations
We provide access to both basic and specialized lab testing to help uncover root causes of health concerns. Commonly ordered tests include comprehensive stool analysis, vitamin and mineral panels, preventive health markers, and food sensitivity testing. These assessments are highly recommended, as they allow us to create personalized treatment plans and provide the most effective care for each patient.
What to expect: The first appointment lasts 60-75 minutes and consists of a health history review followed by suggested lab testing. This appointment is required in order to establish care. Follow-up appointments are 40 minutes long, during which lab results are reviewed and a personalized treatment plan is discussed. Shorter, 20-minute appointments are available for reviewing progress and addressing any questions that arise.
Are ND’s licensed physicians in North Carolina?
Naturopathic physicians (NDs) are currently licensed or registered in 26 U.S. jurisdictions, including 23 states—Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin—plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. North Carolina does not license NDs at this time. For this reason, we require our patients to have a primary care provider and see NDs for consultation, offering a holistic perspective rather than primary medical care.
Do you accept insurance?
No, this is a cash-based practice.
Can I use insurance to pay for labs?
No, lab testing is considered an out-of-pocket expense.