Naturopathic medicine: what it is and how it works

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine blends modern diagnosis with lifestyle, nutrition and natural therapies, practiced by licensed naturopathic physicians in states that regulate it. A naturopathic visit tends to take in your whole story: your symptoms and timeline, your diet, sleep and stress, your home and work environment, and your goals.

That matters most when you have a chronic illness that hasn’t fit neatly into one specialty, or when your labs keep coming back “normal” and you still don’t feel like yourself.

The six principles of naturopathic medicine

Naturopathic medicine is defined by its principles more than by any one treatment:

1. First do no harm. Start with the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies that fit.
2. The healing power of nature. Work with your body’s ability to heal, and with a healthy environment.
3. Identify and treat the causes. Look for what’s underneath symptoms and remove obstacles to healing.
4. Doctor as teacher. Help you understand your health and what it takes to stay well.
5. Treat the whole person. Consider how your body, environment and lifestyle connect.
6. Prevention. Prevent illness and suffering whenever possible.

How naturopathic physicians train

Licensed naturopathic physicians typically complete a four-year graduate program at a school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, then pass national board exams. Licensing requirements vary by state. Dr. Madeira earned his doctorate at Bastyr University and is licensed in Arizona, Montana and Washington. You can verify his licenses on his bio page.

The therapeutic order: how care is planned

Care follows the naturopathic therapeutic order, which means we start with the gentlest approach that fits and do more only as needed:

1. Remove obstacles to health. Identify and reduce toxic burden from heavy metals, mold toxins and other environmental exposures, along with diet, stress, sleep and digestion.
2. Support the body’s ability to heal. Botanical medicine, personalized nutritional medicine, detoxification therapies and mindfulness practices.
3. Add more only as needed. Following the naturopathic therapeutic order, using the least force necessary.

In practice, that can include environmental medicine, nutrition, botanical medicine, sleep and stress support, and mindfulness practices. Medications and specialist care stay part of the picture when you need them, through your other doctors.

What naturopathic care can look like here

Dr. Madeira’s practice focuses on complex, chronic illness, especially when hidden exposures may be involved:

• Mold illness, CIRS and mast cell activation
• Heavy metal toxicity and sewer gas exposure
• Long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome
• Hashimoto’s and autoimmune disease
• Gut health and brain fog

Care is 100% telemedicine, so it doesn’t include physical exams. See how care works and programs and pricing.

Find a naturopathic doctor in Arizona, Montana or Washington

If you’re searching for a naturopath or naturopathic doctor in one of these states, Dr. Madeira sees adults anywhere in the state by secure video or phone:

• Naturopathic doctor in Arizona: licensed as a Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD)
• Naturopathic doctor in Montana: licensed as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)
• Naturopathic doctor in Washington: licensed as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)

Common questions about naturopathic medicine

What does a naturopathic doctor do?

A naturopathic doctor looks for what’s driving your symptoms by taking a detailed history, reviewing records and ordering labs when they’d help. Then you build a plan together, starting with the gentlest approach that fits, such as nutrition, lifestyle, botanical medicine and reducing harmful exposures.

Is a naturopathic doctor a real doctor?

Yes. A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND, or NMD in Arizona) graduated from a four-year naturopathic medical program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and passed national licensing exams. Arizona, Montana and Washington all license naturopathic doctors.

What is the difference between a naturopath and a naturopathic doctor?

Licensed naturopathic physicians complete a graduate program at an accredited naturopathic medical school and pass national board exams. Traditional naturopaths may train through non-accredited programs of varying length and aren’t eligible for licensing. Dr. Madeira is a licensed naturopathic physician in Arizona, Montana and Washington.

Can naturopathic doctors order labs and prescribe medication?

Licensed naturopathic doctors can order laboratory tests and are trained in pharmacology. Prescribing authority depends on the state, and controlled substances have additional federal and state limits, especially by telemedicine.

Does naturopathic medicine replace regular medical care?

No. It works alongside it. We ask every patient to keep a primary care doctor for physical exams, routine screenings and referrals, and to get urgent or emergency care when needed.

Can I see a naturopathic doctor by telehealth?

Yes. Dr. Madeira sees adults by secure video or phone who are located in Arizona, Montana or Washington during their visits. Labs can be completed locally.

Is naturopathic medicine covered by insurance?

Apollo Health Clinic is a private-pay practice and doesn’t accept insurance. HSA cards are accepted. See the pricing page for programs and fees.

How do I know if naturopathic medicine is right for me?

A free 30-minute discovery call is a good place to start. It’s a non-clinical conversation about what’s been happening and whether we’re a good fit, with no obligation.

This page is general education, not medical advice, and does not create a doctor–patient relationship.

Sources

1. Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges: The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
2. Council on Naturopathic Medical Education
3. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Naturopathy

Banner photo: Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash