What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine means a distinct and comprehensive system of primary health care practiced by a naturopathic doctor for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human health conditions, injuries, and disease. Like other primary care providers (PCPs), naturopathic doctors diagnose, prevent, and treat disease. In addition to conventional medical training, naturopathic doctors are the only PCPs trained extensively in counseling, nutrition, exercise, and stress management – enabling them to fully address modifiable risk factors for chronic disease. Naturopathic doctors are licensed to perform physical exams, order laboratory tests and imaging (xrays, MRIs, mammograms, etc.), draw blood and perform CLIA waived laboratory testing in-office, administer IVs and injections,
and prescribe drugs (including most controlled substances with supervision). The practice of naturopathic medicine in the U.S. has risen dramatically in response to increasing demand for primary care providers trained in both natural and conventional medicine.