T&C: What is naturopathy, and how does it differ from conventional medicine?
J.P.: In general, conventional medicine is the diagnosis and treatment of disease. With naturopathic medicine, we try to treat the underlying reasons that a person is sick, relying on the body's self-healing mechanisms rather than on drugs or surgery.
T&C: What does a naturopath's training consist of?
J.P.: The standard premedical courses in college, then four years of graduate study at an accredited naturopathic school such as those listed on www.naturopathic.org. We take conventional medical and diagnostic courses but also learn about nutrition, digestion and liver function. We study drugs, herbs, vitamins, diet, lifestyle factors, exercise and psychological counseling. After passing the board examination, a naturopathic doctor, or N.D., can practice. Some get postgraduate training in acupuncture or homeopathy.
T&C: What kinds of patients is naturopathy suited to?
J.P.: We see all ages and conditions. But we're not necessarily the only care provider. I see the ideal setup as conventional doctors and N.D.'s working together. I know nutrition really well, but not all the conventional drugs. A conventional physician knows drugs well, but not necessarily herbs.
T&C: What should a patient expect in a first-time visit?
J.P.: The N.D. will spend about an hour and a half with you and will require a lot of involvement from you. If I see a middle-aged, overweight guy who smokes, I won't say, "Your'e going to become a vegetarian and give up smoking tomorrow." I'll say, "Here's how I see things now, anh here's where I see them going. It'll take six months to a year." I'll recommend a whole-foods diet; he can consult www.whfoods.org, a Web site I helped create. I'll encourage exercise, especially strength training. The patient will keep a health diary, and we'll check his progress monthly.
T&C: Is naturopathy covered by insurance?
J.P.: It varies; check with your insurance company.
T&C: How can someone find a reputable naturopath?
J.P.: Check Web sites like www.naturopathic.org, ask friends for referrals, and interview the N.D. Make sure he or she has attended an accredited school and is licensed. Thirteen states license N.D.'s, who also practice legally in several other states.
T&C: What caveats do you offer regarding naturopathy?
J.P.: If you're using conventional drugs with natural therapies, you need to know their potential interactions. Just because something's natural doesn't mean it's automatically safe.
