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Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopath Bend OregonNaturopathic medicine emphasizes the use of prevention and natural therapeutics. Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are trained to serve as Primary Care General Practitioners. They prevent, diagnose, manage and treat both acute and chronic health conditions. The goal of naturopathic medicine is to support and promote one’s own body toward optimal health and encourage an individuals’ inherent self-healing process.

A Naturopath combines the wisdom of centuries-old natural therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems and evidence-based medicines. The wide variety of therapies offered by naturopaths allow for a variety of cost-effective treatments and the ability to work with a patient’s mental and emotional health as well as their physical body.

Naturopaths are trained in the following treatment modalities:

  • Botanical (herbal) medicines
  • Clinical nutritional and dietary medicines
  • Life style counseling and mental health counseling
  • Physical medicine: soft tissue and bone manipulations
  • Pharmaceutical medicines
  • Nutritional Therapy
  • Homeopathy: extremely dilute form of medicines
  • Minor surgery

More on Naturopathic Education and Licensed Naturopathic Physicians

Naturopaths are required to complete a rigorous four-year graduate level degree from an accredited naturopathic medical college. During their education, naturopaths learn the standard medical curriculum M.D.s and D.O.s learn with additional clinical study in natural therapeutics.

Prior to licensing, they must pass the national board exam for naturopaths and apply through their practicing state. Each year, licensed naturopaths are required to complete several hours of continued education to keep current with changes in the medical community, continue to learn about acute and chronic health conditions, and be aware of new evidence-based therapies.

Meet Our Naturopathic Doctor:

Wellness Doctor Naturopath

Dr. Lexie Ching, ND (click for bio)