Although a naturopathic doctor is a real doctor, there are few differences when compared with a medical doctor. In order to understand whether naturopathic medicine or conventional medication will suit your health condition, it is essential to know the dissimilarities between the two. When we say health, it does not mean only the physique but the complete wellbeing of an individual – mind, spirit and body. This is why sometimes, certain sicknesses may demand seeing both the doctors, while on the other hand few other health conditions can be easily cured by a naturopathic doctor. Thus to have a clearer view, read the complete write-up and know the actual job of the both.
1. Qualification and Training:
A naturopathic doctor and a medical doctor, both have to complete the 3 or 4 years of pre-med training (commonly completion of bachelor degree) before heading for 4 years of intensive courses.
Every recognized naturopathic college demands students to complete an undergraduate course before starting medical school. A naturopathic doctor who wishes to get licensed in regulated states must appear for and clear the multiple-step, standardize licensing exam. Furthermore, most naturopaths don’t go into residency since they are not funded by the government. This is one major factor why, despite getting to see and treat many patients during their education, they can’t get more pro-active experience in their specialties.
On the other hand, a medical doctor begins to specialize in areas such as cancer, surgery and emergency care. During their specialization years, they have to spend almost 60% of their time in clinical setting, observing end number of patients.
2. Treatments:
For NDs curing the root cause of the illness is of utmost importance. Even during their education they learn how to do so. In other words, they make use of multi-faceted non-drug, non-surgery approach to health care. That is why when you wish to fix the root cause of your health situation and through natural methods, then integrative medicine and a naturopathic doctor will serve your purpose. Thus, the best examples of seeing a naturopath are –
• Diagnosed conditions – obesity, asthma, heart disease, hypothyroidism, allergies, cancer and etc.
• Women’s Health – vaginal infection, menopause, infertility and PMS
• Mental Health – anxiety, fatigue, stress, depression and insomnia
• Pain Relief – arthritis, injuries, indigestion and back pain
By using conventional medicines and surgeries, MDs treat the symptoms of the disease, which is already in place. So, whenever you feel the need for their specialization to eliminate the symptoms of your sickness, then you should visit them. For example in the following conditions –
• Came up with a medical emergency
• Require surgery
• In need of a prescription (even some NDs provide)
• Have broken your bone
• In need of X-ray or any other diagnostic imaging
3. Approaches and Methods:
For the above mentioned medical conditions and health issues a naturopathic doctor will follow either of the following integrative medicines –
• Acupuncture and other Asian medicine
• Bodywork
• Lifestyle changes
• Herbs, supplements and botanical remedies
• Counselling
• Lab tests
• Psychotherapy
• Detoxification
• Hydrotherapy
However a medical doctor will either prescribe conventional medicines or surgeries.
0 Comments