Busting Some Myths About Naturopathic Medicine
Written By: Dr. Katherine Jones and Dr. Kaitlin Tyre
Since graduating from naturopathic medical school, we have been met with some interesting misconceptions about what we do. It’s not too surprising since naturopathic medicine still occupies a pretty fringe corner of healthcare, despite it being very old medicine.
In this post, we are taking the most common myths we hear about our profession and busting them. We hope that the confusion around our profession will eventually subside, and that more people will understand the benefits of having a naturopathic doctor as part of their healthcare team.
Myth # 1: Naturopathic doctors are essential oils practitioners.
Surprisingly, using essential oils has been the #1 thing that people assume we do when we tell them we are naturopathic doctors. It is totally understandable that essential oils are one of the first “natural substances” that comes to mind for people when they hear about natural medicine. Essential oils are indeed distilled from plants, are sold everywhere, and have been touted as a panacea for many health conditions. However, they are called essential oils because they are the essence of the plant, not because they are “essential” to good health. Certified aromatherapists and advanced essential oils practitioners receive a few months of training, but they are not doctors with primary care training like Dr. Jones or Dr. Tyre. It takes 4-5 years of post-graduate accredited medical education to become a naturopathic doctor, whereas selling essential oils requires no medical education.
In addition, we also strongly advise that anyone interested in using essential oils consult with a naturopathic doctor or professional essential oils practitioner to understand the safest way to apply them topically or take them internally. Severe side effects such as burns, photosensitivity, and liver toxicity can arise from improper use.
Bottom Line(s): Essential oils practitioners are not the same as naturopathic doctors. Essential oils are extremely potent and should be used with guidance and care.
Myth # 2: Naturopathic doctors are either all vegetarian or vegan and/or want all their patients to be vegetarian or vegan.
This is another common assumption about naturopathic doctors - that we are all vegan and think everyone else should be vegetarian or vegan too! This could not be more false. While vegetarianism and veganism work for some people, an eggless, meatless, and dairy-less diet is not optimal for everyone. Naturopathic doctors are extensively trained in nutrition, from micronutrients to therapeutic diets, and learn from day one of medical school the importance of individualized health and treatment plans. We know that there is no single way of eating that fits all, and that a person’s way of eating is rooted in a complex mixture of his or her environment, culture, belief systems, and taste preferences. Our goal with each patient is to find a way of eating that supports that person’s overall health goals. You should feel good about what you eat, and in turn, what you eat should make you feel good too.
Bottom Line: Naturopathic doctors know that diet is individual and depends on a person’s health needs.
Myth # 3: Naturopathic doctors and Homeopaths are the same.
This is a classic case of “All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares”. Yes, I know - I just brought up geometry to prove a point, but it’s a good one! In this case, all naturopathic doctors have training in homeopathy, but not all homeopaths are trained in the full extent of naturopathic medicine. Homeopaths are trained strictly in the use of homeopathy, whereas homeopathy is one of several modalities naturopathic doctors are trained to use in their practice. Whether a naturopathic doctor chooses to use homeopathy as a treatment modality in his or her practice depends on the doctor. It should also be mentioned that homeopathy is widely used by many MDs and DOs who do elective training in it as well.
Bottom Line: Homeopaths are only trained in homeopathy, while naturopathic doctors learn homeopathy as one of several treatment modalities.
Myth # 4: Naturopathic doctors practice “Eastern medicine”.
When we bring up naturopathic medicine, people often refer to it as “Eastern medicine” as opposed to conventional “Western medicine”. However, the term “Eastern medicine” is usually reserved for the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and/or Ayurveda which are both distinct systems of medicine separate from naturopathic medicine. Naturopathy actually derives from the practice of Nature Cure in Germany and has been used in the “Western World” for more than a century.
Traditional Chinese Medicine requires its own training as does Ayurvedic Medicine. While many assume that naturopathic doctors can practice acupuncture, unless they have had separate training in TCM or attended the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona, which includes acupuncture in their curriculum and scope, naturopathic doctors do not typically provide acupuncture as a service.
Bottom Line: Naturopathic medicine is not Eastern medicine, and not all naturopathic doctors are trained in acupuncture.
Myth # 5: Naturopathic doctors are against medications and surgeries.
We’ve said it before, and we will say it again: naturopathic doctors are not against medications and surgeries. In fact, because Dr. Jones and Dr. Tyre were trained as primary care providers in the state of Oregon (where NDs have full scope of practice), they were extensively trained in the use of pharmaceuticals and minor surgery in clinical practice; we know when pharmaceuticals or surgery are necessary. The problem arises when pharmaceuticals and surgery are considered the only answers to a health issue that may benefit from other interventions as well. Sometimes a lifestyle change or a diet change is more potent than any drug. There are many options to treating certain health conditions, and it is our job to provide our patients with all their options so that they can reach the best possible health outcome for themselves.
Bottom Line: Naturopathic doctors will provide you with all your treatment options, which may include medications and surgeries.
Myth # 6: Naturopathic doctors are all against vaccines.
This is an incredibly controversial topic these days, so we will keep this one brief. Naturopathic doctors, like conventional doctors, are trained to understand the importance of vaccinations in the prevention of the spread of communicable infectious diseases. They are interested in the general welfare of the public as well as the individual and are well versed in educating their patients regarding the risks and benefits of vaccinating and not vaccinating a patient.
Bottom Line: Naturopathic doctors are trained to educate their patients regarding vaccinations and their role in public and individual health. Most NDs are not “anti-vaxxers”.
Myth # 7: Naturopathic doctors can get their degrees online.
Unfortunately, there are many individuals who call themselves “naturopaths” after receiving some training online. Naturopathic doctors on the other hand, require extensive training to call themselves doctors. Naturopathic doctors receive 4 years of post-graduate medical training at an accredited naturopathic medical school that they attend in person. They have two years of basic sciences and two years of clinical sciences complete with over 1500 hours of clinical rotations and preceptorships. They must pass their clinic entrance and exit exams to graduate. They must pass basic science board exams and their clinical board exams in order to apply for state licensure. Once licensed (in a licensed state), naturopathic doctors uphold all the responsibilities of being a board licensed medical provider and are required to complete state-mandated continuing education to uphold their licensure.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a naturopathic doctor, make sure they have graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical school and are actually a doctor.
We hope this clears up some confusion about how naturopathic doctors practice medicine. If you are interested in learning more about naturopathic medicine, contact me!
