What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Dr. Amy Neuzil   FAQs

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are the natural version of conventional doctors (MDs), and have the same education and licensing requirements (although they are licensed by a different organization). Naturopaths use the same patient examinations and lab tests to measure patient progress, but treat patients very differently. NDs look at the body as a dynamic whole – no one system works without all the other systems – and treat each person as a whole. This means that all treatments are designed uniquely for you, there is no one-size-fits-all in medicine, and NDs work to find the treatments that are best for you based on your symptoms and your lifestyle. This approach is extremely successful for both chronic conditions (like diabetes or fibromyalgia) and acute illnesses (like a cold or flu). Naturopaths also work with your conventional doctors or specialists to make sure you are getting the best care possible and that all of your medications and treatments work well together.

Legally, the practice of naturopathic medicine is regulated differently from State to State. In States where naturopathic physicians are licensed as primary care physicians, NDs are able to diagnose and treat using natural methods, pharmaceutical prescriptions, minor surgery and injectables. In states like Texas, without any laws regarding the regulation or licensure of Naturopaths, NDs may act as a health consultant but are not able to serve as primary care physicians and cannot write prescriptions. In unlicensed States such as Texas it is especially important to make sure your ND is fully educated and qualified for your safety as a patient and quality of care.

A complete list of qualified Naturopaths, as well as more information, can be found on the American Association of Naturopathic Physicins website.

Dr. Amy Neuzil received her doctorate from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. She currently holds an active Arizona license, and maintains a busy practice in Austin, Texas. Dr. Amy also lectures frequently and holds women's health seminars and women's health retreats. Doctor Amy is working with the Texas Association of Naturopathic Physicians to help develop legislation for proper licensure for Naturopathic Doctors in Texas.

For more information visit 'Frequently Asked Questions'