What is a Naturopathic Physician?
The Naturopathic Physicians (ND’s) at Natural Health Associates are doctors who specialize in Natural Family Medicine. They are licensed by the State of Connecticut to diagnose and treat all medical conditions. Naturopathic Physicians are the only physician level specialists in Natural Medicine. We are trained to identify and remove causes of a disease and treat patients using natural, non-toxic therapies. Our primary goal, as your natural medicine expert, is to not only treat your condition, but also maximize your health.

What is the Education of a Naturopathic Physician?
Naturopathic physicians undergo training that is similar in structure and scope to that of medical and osteopathic doctors. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year graduate schools with rigorous admissions requirements comparable to other medical schools. 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 therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, ayurvedic medicine, hydrotherapy, manipulative therapy, and counseling. Because coursework in natural therapeutics is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors often receive significantly more hours of classroom education in these areas than the graduates of many leading medical schools, including Yale, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.

Like many states, Connecticut’s laws require graduates of naturopathic medical schools to pass rigorous national and state board examination in order to qualify for licensure.

What treatments do Naturopathic Physicians Use?
Naturopathic Physicians use methods such as botanical (herbal) medicine, therapeutic nutrition, physiotherapy, craniosacral therapy, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, oriental medicine, counseling, and diet & lifestyle modification. These therapies are generally safer, less toxic, and have fewer side effects than conventional therapies. At Natural Health Associates, we will use these techniques in individualized treatment programs to help you achieve your unique health goals.

Why should I see a Naturopathic Doctor when they sell herbs and vitamins at the Health Food Store?   
The multitude of nutritional and botanical supplements available over the counter can be bewildering.  Furthermore, it is inappropriate and possibly dangerous to get medical advice from persons not appropriately trained.  
The Naturopathic Physicians at Natural Heath Associates have a comprehensive understanding of physiology, pharmacology, botanical medicine, nutritional biochemistry, and interactions between natural and drug therapies.  Without this training, one cannot safely make recommendations about Natural Medicine.  

Will I have to stop seeing my regular doctor to see a Naturopathic Physician?
No. Patients see us for primary and adjunctive health care. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with any or all of your other providers.  You continue to see your other doctors, and we will work together to accomplish integrated, balanced, and individualized care.

Are naturopathic treatments scientific?
Many of the therapies used by Naturopathic Physicians have been subjected to controlled scientific studies.  The Naturopathic Physicians at Natural Health Associates make every effort to use therapies with documented scientific efficacy, or a long history of clinical safety and effectiveness.

What is Naturopathic Medicine especially good at treating?
Our physicians are trained to provide the best in natural family medicine to men, women, and children.  We see patients with health problems that include minor ailments to severe life threatening illness and everything in between.   Because we treat people, not just body parts, we can help you resolve issues that fall into many categories including:

• Constitutional: Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Weight management, Autoimmune Disease, Fibromyalgia
• Psychiatric:  Depression, Anxiety, Autism, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD, ADHD)
• Ears/Nose/Throat:   Ear infections, Tinnitus, Sinusitis, Allergies, Sore Throats, Chronic or Recurrent infections
• Cardiovascular:  High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Angina, Atherosclerosis, Congestive Heart Failure, Palpitations
• Respiratory:   Infections, Asthma, Allergies, Emphysema or COPD, Bronchitis
• Gastrointestinal:  Diarrhea, Constipation, Gas and Bloating, Heartburn (reflux or GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gallstones, Hepatitis, Colitis, Crohn’s disease, Ulcers, Abdominal pain, Hemorrhoids,  Yeast overgrowth, H. pylori infection
• Musculoskeletal:  Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Muscle spasms, Tendonitis, Bursitis, Plantar Fascitis, Gout, Fibromyalgia
• Dermatologic:  Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Rashes
• Neurological: Headaches, Migraines, Sciatica, Seizures, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons disease
• Men’s Health:  Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostatitis, Erectile Dysfunction, Kidney Stones
• Women’s Health:  Menopause, Vaginal Infections, Bladder Infections, Interstitial Cystitis, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Endometriosis, Fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)