5 Common Myths about Naturopathic Medicine

 There’s a lot of myths about naturopathic medicine. 

That’s because a lot of people don’t understand what it is.  

They stereotype naturopathic doctors as “hippies” that practice “ancient Eastern medicine.” That’s a real shame. 

Because if you suffer from migraines, a holistic approach might just be what brings you back to a state of health. Not your medication.

That’s why I’m going to address five of the biggest myths circulating the internet right now:

1. Naturopathic doctors aren’t real doctors
2. Naturopathic medicine isn’t science based
3. All naturopathic doctors are against prescription medication
4. Naturopathic doctors are the same as naturopaths
5. The naturopathic approach just doesn’t work
   
   

Myth #1 - Naturopathic Doctors aren’t Real Doctors

It’s alarming how many conventional doctors still believe this one. But naturopathic doctors go through medical school, just like your family doctor. 

We can’t just download a certificate off the internet. Every ND has to earn a graduate-level naturopathic medical degree at an accredited school.   

We have to study the same basic sciences and go through the same hands-on training as an MD. But we focus on complete wellbeing. Not just physical health. That’s why we study holistic and nontoxic approaches as well. 

Once we complete the four-year degree, we have to pass the professional board exam (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination) in order to be officially licensed. 

There are 22 states with registration laws for naturopathic doctors and that list is growing. The District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico also accept ND licenses.

Depending on which state we operate in, we also have to define what kind of practice we will run. And we have to meet continued medical education (CME) requirements per state law.

Myth #2 - Naturopathic Medicine isn’t Science-based

As we already mentioned, every licensed naturopathic doctor studied the same course work as a conventional doctor. So we have an advanced knowledge of physiology, biochemistry and anatomy. 

And it’s impossible to take that level of coursework and not be astounded by the body’s ability to heal itself.

Naturopathic doctors take that empirically validated observation and put it to work for your health.

We realize that your body’s systems, organs and even cells don’t operate in isolation. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to wellness. We care about the whole person — mind, body and spirit — because it all works together to keep you healthy.

We use that to take a comprehensive approach to whole person wellness by targeting the root cause of the condition.

Our focus is to promote the body’s natural healing ability as best we can. We do this by prioritizing the least invasive evidence-based therapies first. 

Science informs our philosophy and proves its effectiveness. And some scientific studies have found naturopathic medicine to be successful in addressing things like migraines, cardiovascular disease, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), depression and type 2 diabetes.

Myth #3 - All Naturopathic Doctors are against Prescription Medication

Every naturopathic doctor learns about the different types of prescription medication. We know when they should be recommended, how they become absorbed by the body and their potential side effects. 

We don’t always support their use. But if we’re being honest — there are a number of conventional doctors who take a similar stance. 

That doesn’t mean any of us are anti-drugs or anti-prescription medication.

They’re just not our first resort.

Prescription medication is primarily designed to relieve symptoms — not eliminate health issues or bring you back to a state of health. And while some of them can be helpful in the short term, a lot of them wear off over time. 

That’s one of the reasons we believe it’s so important to identify the underlying cause of each health issue before addressing it. 

Myth #4 - Naturopathic Doctors are the same as Naturopaths

This one is tough. In some states, we are both treated as the same. 

Both naturopathic doctors and traditional naturopaths believe in treating the whole person and promoting the body’s natural healing process. 

But a lot of the time — that’s where the similarities stop. 

A naturopathic doctor (ND/NMD) is a licensed physician. We have to go through rigorous training to earn that primary care certification, and we are trained to diagnose and prescribe. 

A traditional naturopath is not. 

Myth #5 - The Naturopathic Approach just doesn’t Work

The naturopathic approach definitely works, it’s becoming increasingly sought after — at both clinical and consumer levels. 

In the United States alone there are 28 health systems with at least one licensed naturopathic physician on staff. 

And there is a lot of evidence to suggest a combination of both conventional and integrative care can result in better overall outcomes. 

This is largely because an integrative approach focuses on physical health in conjunction with mental and emotional wellbeing.

About my Naturopathic Practice

My name is Dr. Leslie Cisar, and I’m a licensed naturopathic doctor. I received my degree from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Since then, my focus has been helping women all over the country heal their migraines naturally. 

When you go see a conventional doctor about your migraines, they are more likely to prescribe you a prescription than take down a detailed history of your experience. That’s a problem. 

Because when it comes to migraines, your drugs actually suppress your symptoms — they don’t get rid of your head pain.

My 12-Week Healing Migraines Naturally Program is different. It transforms your health by identifying — and removing — the real reason for your headaches. And it’s worked for hundreds of clients over the years. 

You can learn more about me and what I do by clicking here. For more information about migraines and headaches, take my free quiz.