What is the education of a Naturopathic Practitioner?

Naturopathic colleges are four-year graduate schools with rigorous admissions requirements. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree is awarded after classroom, clinic and practical study. ND's are trained in medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, cardiology, neurology, radiology, minor surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, embryology, pediatrics, psychology, pharmacology, minor surgery, dermatology, and clinical and physical diagnosis. The training also includes extensive study of naturopathic philosophy and therapeutics including nutrition, botanical remedies, homeopathy, ayurvedic remedies, hydrotherapy, manipulative therapy, and counseling. Many state laws require graduates of naturopathic schools to pass rigorous national and state board examination in order to qualify for licensure.

Will I have to stop seeing my regular doctor to see a Naturopathic Practitioner?

No. Lorraine Young, Naturopathic Practitioner, is NOT a medical doctor and strongly encourages you to have a primary healthcare provider, medical doctor. She welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with any or all of your other providers. You continue to see your other doctors, and she will work together to accomplish integrated, balanced, and individualized care.

Do I have to stop taking my prescription medication?

No. Many patients come to a Naturopathic Practitioner because they are concerned about the risk, cost, and side effects of pharmaceuticals. In addition, a Naturopath can often help reduce unwanted side effects using adjunctive natural therapies. Above all, I want you to reach your health goals safely. Therefore, any changes in a prescription medication regimen must be done by your primary prescribing medical doctors. Lorraine Young, PSc.D, Naturopathic Practitioner, can not prescribe or make changes to your prescription medication.

Why should I see a Naturopathic Practitioner when they sell herbs and vitamins at the Health Food Store?

The amount of nutritional and botanical supplements available over the counter can be overwhelming. Furthermore, many natural remedies, vitamins/minerals and botanical medicines can interact with certain symptoms or medications. Lorraine Young, PSc.D, Naturopathic Practitioner, has a comprehensive understanding of physiology, pharmacology, botanical remedies, nutritional biochemistry, and interactions between natural and drug therapies. Beyond this, your health concerns are not always what they seem, adding a supplement that seems to help with a certain concern may not actually be fixing the problem.

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