If you’ve ever searched for a more natural approach to healthcare, one that looks at the whole person instead of just symptoms, you’ve likely come across Naturopathic Doctors (NDs). But what exactly do they do? How are they trained? And how can they help you achieve lasting wellness?
Let’s dive in.
ND Schooling & Training:
To become a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field. From there, they attend a four-year accredited naturopathic medical school, where they undergo rigorous training in basic medical sciences like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and microbiology—just like MDs and DOs.
But here’s where NDs set themselves apart: they integrate conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies. They are trained in:
Diagnostics, including lab work, imaging referrals, and specialty testing
Pharmacology, with prescribing rights in certain states
Minor surgery and emergency medicine
Extensive nutritional science and therapeutic diets
ND students also complete 1,200–1,500 hours of supervised clinical training in naturopathic teaching clinics and community health centers, gaining hands-on experience treating patients holistically. Unlike MD/DO programs, NDs are not required to complete a hospital-based residency, though some pursue postgraduate training in integrative medicine.
How Naturopathic Doctors Approach Patient Care
NDs don’t just treat symptoms, they find and address the ROOT CAUSE of illness. They believe that healing happens when the body is given the right conditions, and they empower patients to take an active role in their health. They also emphasize disease prevention, teaching patients how to make proactive lifestyle choices before health issues arise.
A major component of ND training is nutrition, with hundreds of hours dedicated to understanding how food impacts the body. Unlike conventional doctors, who receive minimal dietary training, NDs learn how to:
Develop therapeutic diets for specific diseases
Use food as medicine to correct deficiencies and imbalances
Apply functional nutrition principles to metabolic health
Naturopathic Treatments and Modalities
NDs integrate both conventional medical knowledge and natural therapies for a comprehensive, individualized approach. Here are some of the key modalities they use:
Botanical Medicine – Using herbs, tinctures, and plant-based extracts for healing. Many herbs are evidence-based in the support of repleting nutrient deficiencies, hormonal balance, blood sugar control, autoimmune disease, sleep quality, allergies, mood disorders, physical pain, gut dysbiosis, osteoporosis, and so much more!
Clinical Nutrition – NDs don’t just tell patients to eat healthy; they teach them how. Many ND programs even have teaching kitchens where students learn to prepare therapeutic meals. For example, how to make meals that increase iron absorption for those with anemia, meals to help balance blood sugar, foods that inhibit viral replication, diets specific to diseases, and the intricate details of the vitamins and minerals foods contain and how to properly pair them.
Homeopathy – A system of medicine that uses highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing ability.
Physical Medicine – Includes spinal adjustments, hydrotherapy, natural pain injections, and soft tissue manipulation.
Mind-Body Medicine – NDs teach stress management, breathwork, and mindfulness to support mental and emotional well-being.
Traditional Chinese Medicine – In some states, NDs are trained in acupuncture alongside the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What Happens at an ND Appointment?
The first appointment with an ND is typically 90 to 120 minutes long, as they ask detailed, investigative questions to get to the ROOT CAUSE of health concerns. Trust me, time flies! This helps them determine which tests may be necessary, such as:
Comprehensive bloodwork, often beyond what conventional doctors typically test
Stool analysis to assess gut health and microbiome imbalances
Hormone and adrenal testing for thyroid function, cortisol levels, and menstrual concerns
Once lab results are in, the ND builds a personalized treatment plan, focusing first on removing anything that is contributing to illness, such as mold exposure, environmental toxins, or inflammatory foods. From there, they:
Replenish nutrient deficiencies
Support weak organ systems, such as the liver or adrenals
Optimize sleep, stress management, and hydration
Create a long-term plan for disease prevention
NDs work with patients until they feel their best, then appointments become less frequent—sometimes just one or two times per year for preventive check-ups.
Is an ND Right for You?
If you are looking for a more personalized and holistic approach to healthcare, working with an ND may be a valuable step toward lasting wellness. Whether you struggle with digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, or simply want to optimize your health, an ND can help guide you with a natural, evidence-based approach.
To find an ND near you, look for one who is licensed and has graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical school. True wellness begins when you take charge of your health.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Danni Hamilton, ND now!
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