About Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine that focuses on treating the cause of disease. It uses natural therapies and works with the body’s healing ability in order to restore health. Naturopathic medicine takes an individualized approach to treatment recognizing that every illness is as unique as the individual.
Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care family practitioners. They focus on educating their patients and teaching them the tools they need to live a healthier lifestyle and prevent disease.
Naturopathic physicians attend a four-year medical school accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Their education is composed of both extensive basic sciences and clinical sciences in which they learn the treatment modalities of therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, environmental medicine, physical manipulation, and counseling. Naturopathic physicians must pass national basic science and clinical board exams to obtain licensure. Naturopathic doctors are currently licensed in 20 states and 3 U.S. territories. There are currently organizational efforts towards licensure in Louisiana.