|
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is another title for what you may call Alternative or Complementary Medicine. It is a profession of healthcare which emphasizes prevention and treatment of illness and the promotion of optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and modalities which address the whole person and the body's inherent healing abilities. The principles of Naturopathic Medicine focus on identifying and treating the cause of an illness, rather than masking or suppressing symptoms. Therapeutic modalities which cause harmful side effects are avoided and the least force necessary is used to diagnose and treat an illness.
Top What is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?
A Naturopathic doctor is a doctor who is an expert in complementary medicines such as herbal medicine, nutritional science, naturopathic physical medicine, environmental medicine and homeopathy.
Top How is a Naturopathic Doctor trained and licensed?
All naturopathic doctors must graduate from a federally accredited 4-year naturopathic medical school and pass a national board exam called NPLEX before becoming licensed. NPLEX follows the same standards as the National Board of Medical Examiners, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.
Top What are the similarities and differences of 4-year naturopathic medical schools and conventional medical schools?
Naturopathic medical schools focus a great deal more on teaching nutrition, herbal medicine, physical medicine, holistic philosophy and homeopathy than conventional medical schools. In fact, most conventional medical schools offer no more than one or two introductory classes in alternative medicines.
Top What are the similarities and differences between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
Naturopathic doctors are experts in complementary medicines and medical doctors are experts in drug therapy and/or surgery. Both forms of medicine work well together because both ND's and MD's ‘speak the same language' as they are both trained in western medicine and use scientific research to support their clinical practices.
Top How do conventional medical doctors interact with naturopathic doctors?
Medical doctors have a wide range of opinions regarding naturopathic medicine. Some medical doctors are very comfortable co-treating patients who receive naturopathic care. Other medical doctors are unreceptive to alternative therapies. Patients interested in a comprehensive approach to his or her health care should ask their physicians if they are open to working with alternative medicine providers.
Top Are naturopathic doctors opposed to pharmaceutical drugs and major surgery?
No. Naturopathic doctors are not opposed to these measures when they are necessary. Naturopathic doctors make referrals for such treatment as appropriate.
Top Are naturopathic medicines safe?
Naturopathic medicines are very safe if used under the proper supervision of a licensed naturopathic doctor who is well trained in both traditional and conventional applications of the specific medicines and the scientific literature behind these applications. Many adverse effects from dietary supplements occur in people who “self-diagnose” and “self-prescribe” or in people seeing unqualified healthcare practitioners. Adverse effects often occur in people, for example, who are taking more than the recommended amount or who are on a drug or have a condition which negatively interacts with a dietary supplement. A naturopathic doctor from a 4-year federally accredited naturopathic medical school has had extensive training in prescribing dietary supplements and knows how to properly monitor a patient for any adverse effects.
Top Is naturopathic medicine covered by medical insurance?
Widespread insurance coverage for naturopathic doctors does not exist in Massachusetts however, some insurance companies have covered naturopathic care in Massachusetts and some offer a discount on naturopathic services.
Top Is naturopathic medicine cost-effective?
Yes. Because naturopathic doctors use a preventive approach that reduces the incidence of high-cost chronic conditions, naturopathic medicine reduces long-term health care costs. Also, naturopathic doctors' focus of finding and treating the cause of disease often reduces the need for expensive surgical procedures and prescription drugs, thereby reducing expensive ongoing care.
Top Is naturopathic medicine a viable option for those with Cancer?
Yes, Dr. Tracy has incorporated complementary cancer care into her naturopathic medical training. Naturopathic medicine is an excellent option for those wishing to address cancer therapy in an integrative way, combining conventional and alternative treatments.
Top How long is a consultation with Dr. Tracy?
Typically, Dr. Tracy sees patients for an initial one-hour consult and follow-up appointments range from 15-30 minutes. During the initial consult, Dr. Tracy will review your medical history and your current health and perform any physical exam that is necessary. She may also order lab tests at this time. A management plan will be created at the initial visit and may include herbal medicines, dietary recommendations, homeopathy or other natural supplements.
Top How often would I visit with Dr. Tracy?
Follow-up appointments are scheduled on a case-by-case basis. Follow-up appointments range from 2 weeks to 3 months from the initial visit depending on the case.
Top Does Dr. Tracy work with children?
Yes, Dr. Tracy does work with school-aged children for many conditions including ADD/ADHD, Asthma, Allergies, Ear Infections, Cold & Flu*, Eczema and Weight Management. Dr. Tracy does not work with infants or children less than 4 years of age. *Routine Cold and Flu visits are offered at a reduced rate.
Top What should I bring to the initial appointment?
Please arrive a few minutes early to the initial appointment to complete paperwork. It would be helpful to bring the contact information of your PCP and other doctors, insurance information, a list of your current medications and natural supplements and recent lab tests.
Top What kind of lab testing does Dr. Tracy use?
In Massachusetts , routine blood and urine tests ordered by Naturopathic Doctors are not covered by insurance. Therefore it is helpful to see a Primary Care Physician for this type of testing (i.e. blood tests for cholesterol). Dr. Tracy uses saliva and stool testing to evaluate female and male hormone levels, digestive health, immune system health, allergies, adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones, Candida albicans levels and bone health. For more information on these tests, see www.diagnostechs.com .
Top What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. This system is responsible for protecting the brain and spinal cord.
Top For what conditions is Craniosacral Therapy helpful?
Craniosacral Therapy can be helpful for many conditions including headaches, TMJ syndrome, migraines, stress, chronic neck and back pain. Craniosacral therapy balances the nervous system which regulates digestion, the immune system and hormone production.
Top
Do all Naturopathic Doctors practice Craniosacral Therapy?
Not all Naturopathic Doctors practice Craniosacral Therapy but it a therapy that many NDs use in conjunction with other naturopathic therapeutics. Dr. Tracy has had training in Craniosacral Therapy from the Upledger Institute.
Top
|
