What Is Naturopathic Medicine?

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 Naturopathic medicine sometimes called “holistic medicine” or "alternative medicine" focuses on treating the person with the disease vs. treating the disease or symptoms. It is an integrative approach to care because it factors in lifestyle, diet, current medications, family and genetics, previous diagnoses as well as mental and emotional elements. Practicing medicine in this way allows us to take the time we need to ask “why?” and get to the root cause of your medical concerns.

One of the key tenets of naturopathic medicine is the belief that disease is not just a random occurrence, but rather the result of imbalances or dysfunctions in the body. Naturopathic doctors take a whole-person approach to healthcare, taking into account a patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health in order to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of their illness.

U.S. Licensed Naturopathic Doctors must successfully complete 4 years of accredited, graduate-level naturopathic medical school.  The training includes the first 2 years of basic sciences, like conventional medical schools, but in the last 2 years naturopathic physicians are not only trained in clinical and medical sciences but also in botanical medicine, homeopathy, and nutritional medicine. Naturopathic physicians receive training in multiple natural therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, and nutrition. They also learn to collaborate with other healthcare providers and refer patients to specialists when necessary. The emphasis of naturopathic medical training is disease prevention and optimizing wellness. 

 A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that they may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician and is overseen by the naturopathic medical board.

Dr. Grant employs lifestyle changes, botanical and nutritional medicine as well as nutrient support in her practice of naturopathic medicine, prescribing medications only if she deems it absolutely necessary.