Naturopathic doctors are trained to treat conditions ranging from headaches to digestive complaints to hormonal imbalances and almost everything in between. Most conditions can be improved by using a natural approach. Although they are trained to treat a wide range of diseases, some naturopathic doctors choose to focus their practice on treating specific conditions or using only certain therapies.

Naturopathic doctors receive training at one of the accredited naturopathic medical schools and can be licensed as naturopathic physicians, whereas traditional naturopaths do not receive the same training and cannot be called "doctor" (unless of course they receive a doctorate in another field of study). Naturopathic doctors are trained to diagnose and prescribe, whereas traditional naturopaths are not. Still, some naturopathic doctors will shorten the term and refer to themselves as "naturopaths" as well! A little confusing, right? The easiest way to determine whether or not a naturopath has a degree from a naturopathic medical school is to look for the credentials "ND" (naturopathic doctor) or "NMD" (naturopathic medical doctor, which is the same thing) at the end of their name.

No. Online naturopathic programs are not accredited schools for naturopathic medical doctor training, and students who attend these online schools cannot take the Naturopathic Physician's Licensing Examination (NPLEX), which is required for naturopathic doctors to obtain a license. In order for a practitioner to be called a naturopathic physican/doctor in the United States and Canada, they must be a graduate of one of these 8 accredited naturopathic schools: -Bastyr University—Kenmore, WA -Bastyr University—San Diego, CA -National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM)—Portland, OR -National University of Health Sciences—Lombard, IL -Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences—Tempe, AZ -University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine—Bridgeport, CT -Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine—New Westminster, BC CANADA -Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine—Toronto, Ontario CANADA

This is a very common question and an easy one to answer! Many people automatically think "natural medicine" when they hear the word "homeopathy," and they think of them as one in the same. However, there is a big difference between homeopathy and naturopathy! Homeopathy is just one of many types of treatments and remedies that naturopathic doctors recommend for their patients. Ever heard of using Arnica for bruises and healing from injury? That is a homeopathic remedy. Whereas a homeopath focuses only on homeopathic remedies, a naturopathic doctor learns and has the ability to treat patients using homepathy and many other modalities, too! (Check out our "Naturopathic Medicine" page for more information.)

A medical doctor (MD) is trained at a conventional medical school. The abbreviations ND (naturopathic doctor) and NMD (naturopathic medical doctor) are interchangeable. You may see some naturopathic doctors use ND after their name, while others use NMD, and this is just based on personal preference, as both signify that they are naturopathic doctors. NDs/NMDs are trained at naturopathic medical schools.

Functional medicine is a form of healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. It takes a very individualized and personalized approach to treating each patient. These have always been tenets of naturopathc medicine as well! So what's the difference? Some medical doctors are now learning more about holistic health, incorporating natural remedies into their practices, and are now practicing "functional medicine." (We hear a lot about it nowadays, but the term was actually created in 1990!) Although there is a bit more to the story, naturopathic medicine is basically like the original functional medicine!

No, this is a common misconception. Just because a treatment is "natural" does not mean it is safe for everyone to use. Naturopathic doctors have been trained to treat patients on an individual basis, while considering their medical conditions, allergies, the medications/supplements they use, etc. This is why it can be important to get a professional opinion before you begin taking supplements or over-the-counter medications.