Naturopathic doctors and regular doctors have different approaches when treating illness. Naturopathic doctors focus on using nature and natural remedies to treat illness. Regular doctors treat illness using treatment methods that are good at combating symptoms.
History
Naturopathy was popularized in the United States by a German man, Benedict Lust, during the early 1900s. During the 1930s, drugs such as antibiotics and other technological advances in medicine came about, leading to a decline in naturopathy. Medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy moved to the forefront of medicine.
Philosophy of Each Medicine
Naturopathy seeks to support the body's innate healing abilities rather than suppressing symptoms. Regular doctors use treatments that combat and fight disease quickly and powerfully.
Regular doctors are trained to specialize and focus on a particular organ system and symptom. Naturopathic doctors treat the whole person, meaning that they create a treatment plan that covers the overall physical, emotional and mental health of the patient.
Types of Illnesses
Regular doctors treat acute, or sudden and severe, ailments. Broken bones, severe infections, appendicitis and cancer are some examples of severe conditions that regular doctors should care for in a conventional way. They also manage chronic illness for patients using more long-term treatment plans.
Naturopathic medicine is versed in treating chronic illness as well, especially during times when pharmaceutical treatment does not work. According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, examples of chronic conditions that can benefit from natural medicine include allergies, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and digestive disorders.
Types of Treatment
Regular doctors typically use pharmaceutical drugs, surgery, dietary suggestions, exercise and other preventive medicine. They also recommend regular physical exams and lab work according to a patient's health profile.
Naturopathic doctors support their patients to help guide the body's inherent healing ability. The treatment plan involves a mixture from among botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling and physical medicine, such as soft tissue manipulation, hydrotherapy, dietary suggestions and exercise suggestions. They also do regular physical exams and lab work.
Side Effects of Treatment
The pharmaceutical treatments prescribed by regular doctors often have side effects. Surgery, though necessary in many cases, leaves scars and affects the overall functioning of the body.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, naturopathy seems to be a generally safe health care approach. The organization recommends increased caution when practicing natural diets of a restrictive or unconventional nature and when using herbs, especially herbs along with drugs, as they can interact.
Education
Regular doctors attend four-year science-based medical schools. After schooling, they are required to pursue a three-year medical residency, during which they hone their skills and obtain a specialty.
Naturopathic doctors attend a four-year science-based naturopathic program, including classes on natural therapies such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, hydrotherapy and nutrition. They are not required to pursue a residency after medical school, though some naturopaths will seek out a residency for more experience.
Length of Visit
Regular doctors on average spend 15 to 20 minutes with each patient, according to a study conducted by Temple University Hospital in 2005. Naturopathic doctors will on average spend an hour to an hour and a half with each patient for a first visit, and between 45 minutes to an hour for follow-up visits.
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