Natural Solutions for A Better Life ©
Naturopathic Medicine is a medical practice coming out of Europe in the 1800s. It is a medical system that blends traditional medical practices with the burgeoning scientific-based medical advances emerging in the 19th century. Naturopathic doctors are trained as general practitioners (aka primary care providers) who diagnose, treat, and manage medical conditions and diseases. Naturopathic doctors (ND) focus on prevention and the overall well-being of their clients while treating the presenting ailment(s). An ND will use several types of treatment strategies including changes in diet, stress reduction, herbs, detoxification protocols, bodywork, joint manipulation, and lifestyle counseling including psychotherapy (where permitted by State licensing standards). NDs are trained to prescribe conventional drugs such as antibiotics.
Naturopathic doctors complete a 4-year, professional-level education accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Most states in the U.S. require naturopathic doctors to be licensed by their state after passing a licensing examination called the NPLEX. NDs are required to complete continuing education requirements established by their licensing state. It is recommended that when seeking any type of Complementary, Alternative, or Naturopathic care you ask to see a practitioner’s license.
All practitioners at A Better Life Naturopathic Healthcare, PA are licensed naturopathic doctors.
For more information, please visit the following educational sites:
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/naturopathy
- Healing Arts Collective: https://healingarts.org/disciplines/naturopathy/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0umSBhDrARIsAH7FCofpoo4QCrOUu_3s1MuoHZYS5sYGlQzFqCHPVpip1G80uYA5M3FOvfMaAj8qEALw_wcB
- Medscape: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/470701?ecd=ppc_google_rlsa-traf_mscp_news-perspectives_t1-pcp_us
- Bastyr University: https://bastyr.edu/academics/naturopathic-medicine/what-naturopathic-medicine
A Better Life Naturopathic Healthcare does not file with any insurance carriers. Upon request, we will provide you with the paperwork you need to pass on to your insurance carrier, except Medicare.
Hydrotherapy, aka water therapy or water cure, has been used since ancient times to treat disease. Today hydrotherapy is used by physical therapists and in occupational therapy to address pain and paralysis. Many medical and health spas use saunas, whirlpools, and baths as part of their offerings. Alternative medicine practitioners trained in hydrotherapy use cold/hot water, steam, and ice to improve health and treat disease.
Homeopathy uses minute doses of a remedy to treat disease allowing the body to heal itself.
A Better Life Naturopathic Healthcare uses both hydrotherapy and homeopathy to address client conditions.
References:
North American Journal of Medical Sciences https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049052/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy
Complementary and Alternative medicine are terms that may be used interchangeably. The main difference is that Complementary Medicine is used in addition to standard-of-care, conventional treatments used in the West. Alternative medicine is typically used instead of standard medical treatments. Examples include acupuncture, biofeedback, guided meditation, massage, dietary supplements, and energy medicine systems such as reiki.
Holistic Medicine is the assessment and care of a person’s spiritual, mental, emotional, and social needs in addition to caring for and treating their physical needs in the quest for optimal health. “Treating the whole person” is a common phrase for holistic health.
Integrative and Functional Medicine are both forms of healthcare that focus on the unique needs of each client otherwise known as client-focused care. Functional medicine focuses on discovering and treating the underlying or “root cause” of a condition. Integrative medicine will use the best treatment modalities from Western and Alternative medicine sources that are safe, effective, and specific to a client’s complaints.
A Better Life Naturopathic Healthcare is primarily a Complementary, Integrative, and Functional Medicine practice. The providers care for their clients using a variety of alternative treatments that are evidence-based using client-focused care for all their clients.
Everyone! Anyone’s overall health can improve with naturopathic care. We work closely with you and with your current healthcare team to integrate naturopathic practices into your healthcare regime.
Call us today to find out if naturopathic care is right for you.