Naturopathic Practice
The legal aspects of practicing naturopathic medicine is by state in the U.S and by province in Canada. In those states and provinces in which naturopathic physicians are licensed, NDs may see patients for general health care and for diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions. Naturopathic practice may include the following diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing, nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic physical medicine (including naturopathic manipulative therapy), public health measures, hygiene, counseling, minor surgery, homeopathy, acupuncture, prescription medication, intravenous and injection therapy, and naturopathic obstetrics (natural childbirth). The state of Arizona offers the widest scope of practice for naturopathic physicians in the United States.
Botanical Medicine
Botanical (plant derived) medicines are used in both traditional herbal formulations and as phytomedicines, which are scientifically researched and formulated.
Homeopathic Medicine
Developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the 1840s, homeopathy is based on the administration of minute doses of a natural substance that produces symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the disease itself.
Nutrition
A growing body of scientific knowledge in this area is reflected in numerous professional journals of nutrition and dietary sciences, validating the naturopathic approach to diet and nutrition.
Physical Medicine
The art of touch, message, physical therapy and spinal manipulation are the basic tools of Naturopathic Manipulative therapy (NMT) for chronic disease, neck, back, sports, and motor vehicle injuries.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
In the State of Arizona, Naturopathic Physicians are trained in the fundamentals of Chinese medicine and diagnosis and may use acupuncture, acupressure and oriental botanical medicine in their practices.
Minor Surgery
This includes repair of superficial wounds, removal of foreign bodies, cysts and other superficial masses.
Environmental Medicine
The main health impacts of environmental toxins, normal methods of bio-transformation and Naturopathic defense and excretion therapies.
Counseling and Stress Management
Mental attitudes and emotional states can be important elements of disease in healing.