Feel Great Again with Naturopathic Medicine: Drs. Kristen Bishop and Erin Victor of the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association tells us how

Naturopathic medicine provides a refreshing alternative to the current medical model by providing an atmosphere where you can sit and talk directly to your physician, not their assistant. Naturopathic physicians want to truly get to know you, your health history, your family history and your lifestyle to put together a complete compilation of factors that may be contributing to your health, and then work with you to get you feeling great again. Because naturopathic physicians have more time, they can really listen, research the complexity of a medical case and find and treat the cause. The approach and philosophy is what makes naturopathic medicine so unique and effective.

Naturopathic physicians are licensed as primary care providers in the state of Arizona. They must graduate from a four-year accredited naturopathic medical school and pass national board examinations, before licensure by the state medical board. Naturopathic physicians are able to recommend and prescribe medications and perform minor surgery when medically necessary, but usually prefer a more conservative approach. They utilize natural therapies such as botanical medicine, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrient IVs, and basic spinal adjusting techniques to restore optimal health. Not only do they educate on lifestyles that prevent illnesses, they also are experts at treating chronic conditions.

Some insurance companies do reimburse for naturopathic care, although each plan is different, and coverage depends on individual plans. Patients find that regardless of coverage, it is beneficial to have a naturopathic physician on their healthcare team. The goal of the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association is to connect healthcare consumers with a licensed naturopathic physician that specializes in natural treatments, so that they can feel great again.

Dr. Kristen Bishop and Dr. Erin Victor are members of the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association Board. To find a naturopathic physician in your area, visit Aznma.org.