It seems that a lot more people are choosing naturopaths these days, and that people are disillusioned with traditional medical treatments. Many people still rely on their family physician for some things, like stitches and broken bones and sore throats, but will go to a naturopath for routine health care.
In the United States, that can be a confusing question, because there are two types of practitioners who call themselves naturopaths. They are involved in legal battles to determine licensure, certification and legal designations of both types of practitioners.
Naturopathic medicine is based on six principles. These principles underlie everything a naturopath does, whether he is a traditional naturopath or a naturopathic physician. They are the philosophical underpinnings of naturopathy.
When you make an appointment for your first naturopathic visit, the doctor may mail out a questionnaire for you to complete before your visit. He may also want copies of your previous medical records.
Naturopathic Physicians are educated in and utilize many kinds of treatments. Some are cross-trained as Medical Doctors or Osteopathic Physicians and have the full range of medical treatments at their disposal, too. There are several naturopathic treatments that are often used.