Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between naturopathic medicine and homeopathic medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is a system of medicine that is based on promoting and restoring health instead of only treating symptoms. Naturopathic Medicine includes standard diagnostic and specialty lab testing, clinical history taking, physical examination and treatment including nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, supplements, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy and physical medicine. Homeopathic medicine is a system of medicine using diluted and potentized mineral, plant and animal substances as medicine where the pattern of the substance is matched to the pattern of symptoms in the individual person.
How are naturopathic doctors educated, trained and licensed?
Accredited naturopathic medical schools are four-year, hands-on medical programs consisting of a minimum of 4,100 hours of class and clinical training. During naturopathic medical school, students are educated in the biomedical sciences as well as natural therapies and disease prevention. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, schools require their graduates to complete four years of training in disciplines such as clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and counseling. For at least the final two years of their medical program, naturopathic medical students intern in clinical settings under the close supervision of licensed professionals. To be considered for a naturopathic medical license in California, you must have graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical school and passed Part 1 and Part 2 of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX).
Will my health insurance pay for naturopathic medical care?
No. Currently in the state of California, naturopathic doctors are not able to be in-network healthcare providers with insurance companies.
Can I use my FSA or HSA account to pay for naturopathic medical care?
Maybe. You can obtain a superbill and receipt after your visit with a naturopathic doctor. You may be able to use an HSA or FSA account to pay for naturopathic medical care. Please check with the company in charge of your HSA or FSA account before scheduling.
Should my child see their pediatrician in addition to a naturopathic doctor?
Yes. For some patients we provide specialty care as an adjunct to routine medical treatment and for others we provide general care and refer to specialists as appropriate. It is up to the individual or the family to decide how they would like to assemble the medical team that is right for them.
Do you offer vaccines?
No. We do not offer vaccinations.
Does it matter where I get my supplements?
Yes. Use of high-quality supplements is essential to assure their safety and efficacy. The Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. does not regulate the supplement industry the way it does for homeopathic and conventional prescription medicines. We recommend supplements from companies which batch test for active ingredients and verify the absence of harmful contaminants. This quality assurance process is costly for supplement companies, and it explains in part the higher price for their products.
What is a constitutional homeopathic medicine?
When a constitutional homeopathic medication prescription is made it accounts for the totality of unique reactions and affinities of an individual person. In-depth information is gathered to understand the entire mental, emotional, and physical symptom pattern in the person including how the person responds to stressors. The doctor may need to study your case before prescribing you a constitutional homeopathic medication or you may get the medication
at the end of your visit. There are over 2,000 homeopathic medications.
Why would I need a constitutional homeopathic medicine?
For any chronic illness or persistent symptoms lasting beyond 3 months, a homeopathic constitutional medication will best address the underlying pattern of chronic symptoms. The homeopathic medicine will stimulate the individual’s immune system to work towards healing the underlying dysfunction in the body that is contributing to those chronic symptoms.
What is the difference between an acute illness and a chronic illness?
An acute illness lasts typically 7-10 days whereas a chronic illness lasts months to years.
What is an acute homeopathic prescription?
For any acute illness lasting less than 3 weeks, you would be prescribed an acute homeopathic medicine to address the pattern of symptoms associated with the acute illness. For example, strep throat caused by bacteria or influenza caused by a virus are acute illnesses. Homeopathic medicine will stimulate the individual’s immune system to help their body fight the virus or bacteria more effectively.
How should I take my homeopathic medicine?
We recommend that you take your homeopathic medicine when there are no strong flavors in the mouth and at least 15 minutes away from food or drink before and after taking the medicine. It is best to avoid handling the medicine and put it in your mouth directly from the bottle cap.
How often should I take my homeopathic medicine?
Some homeopathic medicines are intended to be taken every few weeks while others may be recommended to take on a daily basis. Often daily dosing is used for patients who are taking prescription medications at the same time. As with any prescription, homeopathic medicines are to be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
Do homeopathic medicines have side effects?
No. Side effects are unwanted effects of a biochemical drug. Homeopathic medicines do not have side effects but can produce aggravations.
What is an aggravation?
An aggravation is a strong reaction to a homeopathic remedy, and it is a good indication that healing is taking place. Typical aggravations intensify current symptoms for 24 hours to 10 days.
Why is an aggravation good for me?
Suppressed symptoms go deeper into the body and result in worse disease later. Healing with homeopathic medicine requires that suppressed symptoms be briefly expressed to allow the body freedom to move toward a higher state of wellness.