About Naturopathic Medicine
Philosophy
“Naturopathic medicine prioritizes the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies to treat illness, and promotes wellness by viewing the body as an integrated whole.” - Associated of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC)
Education
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) complete a rigorous 4-5 year medical program accredited by the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Their training integrates conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies, preparing them to diagnose and treat emergency, acute, and chronic conditions.
ND students must pass two Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examinations (NPLEX)—one after their second year of study and a second upon program completion. The CNME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, classifying the ND degree as a Doctorate-Professional degree, equivalent in educational level to MD and DO.
After graduation, many NDs pursue residencies to further develop their clinical expertise.
Modalities & Tools
Naturopathic Medicine is a medical system that utilizes natural therapies to strengthen and heal the body. Homeopathy is one of the many modalities that a naturopath can use along with herbs, diet, biomedical supplements, and functional medical labs. This approach is safe, effective, and has lower side effects than the conventional medical approach.
Functional Lab Testing: "Test, Don’t Guess"
Naturopathic doctors specialize in functional testing as a key approach to identifying the root causes of chronic disease. These advanced lab tests provide deeper insights into underlying imbalances, allowing for more targeted and effective treatment plans.
Below are the functional lab tests I commonly order when clinically indicated:
Epigenetic Testing – Assessing genetic factors that influence health and disease.
Comprehensive Stool Test – Evaluating gut health, microbiome balance, and digestive function.
Nutrient Deficiency Panel – Identifying key vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Toxicity Testing – Screening for heavy metals, mold exposure, pesticides, BPA, phthalates, and other environmental toxins.
Food Sensitivity & Allergy Testing – Detecting immune reactions to foods and environmental triggers.
Kryptopyrrole Test – Assessing for pyrrole disorder, which can impact mental health and overall well-being.
Comprehensive Blood Test – Providing a broad overview of health markers, including inflammation, hormones, and metabolic function.
“The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order is based on the concept that the body possesses an intrinsic nature to heal itself using the least possible force. The Therapeutic Order is the natural order in which naturopathic therapies should be applied in order to provide the greatest benefit and the least potential for damage.”
Tina Hausser, ND& Iva Lloyd, ND, RPP
Determinants of Health
This is our foundation, the roots of our tree bodies. If the roots of your tree are consuming toxic chemicals, dehydrated, and lacking rest, no matter how powerful the intervention that is used to treat disease, “the tree” will never truly heal and there will always be a predisposition for disease. If the obstacles to cure are removed and the foundations for health are created, (i.e.-sleep, nutrition, hydration, elimination, and low environmental stress) then health will prosper.
What is Therapeutic Order?
“The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must come from nature, with an open mind”