What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that addresses the root causes of illness and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. These therapies are often referred to as “alternative” or “complementary” in reference to the conventional healthcare model. Naturopathic physicians integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies.
The foundation of naturopathic medicine is governed by the following six principles:
• First Do No Harm
• The Healing Power of Nature
• Identify and Treat the Cause
• Treat the Whole Person
• Prevention is the Best Cure
• Doctor as Teacher
What education and training do naturopathic doctors have?
Dr. Chrisenia White has eight years of post-secondary education. Her undergraduate coursework included pre-medical pre-requisites in biology, psychology, English, general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. She has a bachelor of science in Business Administration and Management from Robert Morris University and earned her four year doctorate in naturopathic medicine from National University of Health Sciences.
National University of Health Sciences: One of six naturopathic medical schools in the country located in Lombard, Illinois.
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges: A resource of all the four-year US Department of Education accredited institutions that grant a doctorate of naturopathic medicine degree
When would someone go to a naturopathic doctor?
Patients choose Dr. White for the following reasons:
- First choice for natural health and wellness
- Seeking an alternative to drugs or surgery
- Wellness and prevention
- Second opinions
- Supportive therapy during surgery, cancer treatment, or other treatments
Naturopathic physicians are unique in their healthcare philosophy and training. They are trained to look at all body systems when evaluating a person and his or her concerns. Their training involves laboratory diagnostics, physical examination and pharmacology, but treatment considerations include a wide range of natural therapeutics.
Can I speak with Dr. White before I make an appointment?
Dr. White is happy to take calls or emails from prospective patients. This is an opportunity to explore your concerns and needs, whether it’s optimizing your health, addressing a specific concern or reducing your risk of chronic diseases. No recommendations are made until the initial visit.
Are naturopathic treatments well researched?
Naturopathic modalities such as nutrition, herbal medicines and homeopathic medicines are well researched. In addition, many naturopathic recommendations are based on basic biochemical pathways of the body, thus inherently are well documented. A couple of monthly publications specific to naturopathic research are below:
Natural Medicine Journal
Naturopathic Doctor News and Review (NDNR)
Dr. White chooses to use evidence based naturopathic modalities
What professional organizations exist for Naturopathic Physicians?
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians is the national association for naturopathic physicians headquartered in Washington D.C. This is also a great way to search for an ND by location.