Have you been advised to consult a naturopath for your medical ailments? Are you confused about whether you need to see a naturopath or a naturopathic doctor? Interest in the common and alternative medicine approach (CAM) can help you try something new as well as get answers that you’re not able to find elsewhere. Many people sought naturopathy for their physical and medical ailments. If you are not familiar with the difference between a naturopath and a naturopathic doctor, this article is ideal for you to educate yourself about both credentials. If you live in the right vicinity, you may be lucky to find both a naturopath and a naturopathic doctor near you.
Naturopathy is mostly for people who think or are very reliant on medicines, have gone through surgeries, and are just not happy with the involvement of chemicals, medicines, side effects, and many other reasons. But that’s not it. If you are someone who suffers through the above-mentioned dilemma or is just looking for a more natural way of dealing with your body and its troubles, then naturopathy could be the practice that may bring peace to you.
Before jumping into the differences between the credentials, let’s find out what exactly naturopathy is. Naturopathy is easily referred to as ‘natural medicine, as the name suggests. Now, some may think that since the word ‘nature’ is involved, the natural medicines given to them come only from belief. These medicines and treatments are put to use by combining modern, traditional, and scientifically-tested therapies. Yes, it does help you target your low points or medical issues, but it also helps you maintain a personalised health care plan that makes sure that you do not fall vulnerable to things that might be bothering you easily or must have been in the past. These natural remedies include treating patients with nutrition recommendations, stress and anxiety-relieving techniques, and supplements to keep the body at bay from any unwanted issues. A healthy body and mind also strengthen your immune system; stress and anxiety have been proven to weaken your immune system.
Now, let’s get to the differences between the credentials:
- A Naturopathic Doctor or Physician:
A Naturopathic Doctor or Physician is a former naturopathy medical student who has earned an ND or NMD degree from naturopathic medical school. Don’t fret about the difference between the above-mentioned two degrees; they’re basically the same but vary in terms of what is offered and practised in a particular state. The course of study for naturopathic medical students is not different from medical students. It only varies in terms of the additional natural science studies, including nutrition, herbal medicines, psychological studies like counseling, etc.
A person who wishes to take up a course in naturopathy as a graduate also needs to finish four years of training in fields such as counselling, physical medicine, botanical sciences, IV therapies for nutrition, clinical nutrition, homoeopathic medicine, acupuncture, etc. Naturopathic Doctors can get themselves licensed after completing their graduation from a four-year accredited university. They can train for and attempt to take medical board certification exams, but this is not that common. These practices mostly combine conventional medicine approaches with a CAM perspective. The next thing you need to keep in mind is that not all states provide a license for naturopathic doctors. This is something you need to keep a check on. If you’re someone who wants to be treated with Western/ allopathic medicine but also keeps a natural approach to it in terms of well-being, then a naturopathic doctor is all you need.
- A Naturopath or Naturopathic Practitioner:
A Naturopathic Practitioner is not licensed like Naturopathic doctors are. Many careers can be referred to as ‘naturopathic’ but aren’t really physicians or any kind of naturopathic doctors. You may come across some titles like ‘Holistic Health Practitioner’, ‘Traditional Naturopath’, ‘Naturopath Practitioners’, or whatever they may like to call themselves. Yes, they do study in schools to learn more about naturopathy, and that may reflect in their titles, but their degree or coursework is not licensed or accepted anywhere as a legitimate naturopathy doctor’s degree.
They are more like health coaches or wellness doctors but are not a licensed practitioner. They do not diagnose patients with anything and provide any sort of prescription medicine. Neither are they needed to complete a course or a standard curriculum to pursue their title. They may or may not have finished their national certification in medicine.
Naturopathy has many benefits that one can enjoy. It is essentially healing our bodies with the ‘power’ of nature and not entirely depending on Western/allopathic medicines. A patient can get a personalised care regime to follow to ensure that their body is receiving nutrients in the purest form. After you have taken an interest in taking care of your body naturally, you may even be able to find things that can calm or reduce symptoms of particular troubles through natural supplements that suit your body type. The best part about natural medicine is that it helps in symptoms from returning after a short time! Now that you know the difference between the two credentials, you can make an informed decision about who you are more comfortable with in terms of seeking help!
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