Unlocking the Benefits of Naturopathic Medicine
Written by Sirisha Yadavalli, MPH
Edited by Dr. Anjali Kasunich, ND
Imagine a healthcare approach that blends ancient wisdom with evidence-based practices, embracing the body's innate ability to heal itself. That's the essence of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) undergo rigorous training that is comparable to that of a medical doctor, mastering a wide range of natural treatments like herbal medicine, nutrition, physical therapies, and lifestyle counseling. It's like having an all-in-one wellness expert encouraging you towards optimal health.
The Rising Preference for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
In the United States, a significant number of individuals are turning to alternative therapies in their quest for well-being. According to a national survey conducted by ValuePenguin in 2021, over 5 in 10 adults in the United States utilized some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the past year. That's a whopping 55% of the population exploring alternative paths to health. Additionally, 65% of Americans want to see these therapies be covered by insurance. The winds of change are blowing, and they carry the scent of holistic healing.
Naturopathic Medicine: Addressing Chronic Conditions with Precision
One area where naturopathic medicine shines is in the management of chronic conditions. It has been widely reported that naturopathic care offers significant improvements in conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic pain. It’s no wonder why naturopathic medicine is recognized in 10 different countries! Naturopathic medicine goes beyond symptom suppression; it delves deep to identify and treat the root causes of chronic ailments, providing long-lasting relief. It's like unraveling the threads of a complex puzzle to reveal the path to true wellness.
The Dance of Prevention and Proactive Wellness
Conventional medicine is essential and often focuses on treating diseases after they've already taken hold, but naturopathic medicine takes a different approach. It champions prevention and proactive wellness. By emphasizing lifestyle modifications, proper nutrition, stress reduction, and natural interventions, naturopathic care may help individuals prevent diseases before they manifest. It's a dance with prevention, and naturopathic doctors know all the right moves.
The Importance of Integration
While naturopathic medicine offers incredible benefits, it's essential to recognize the value of integration with conventional medicine. Integrative healthcare, which combines the strengths of both approaches, offers a comprehensive and personalized touch to patient care.
Many primary care clinics across the country have adopted this practice, however, it’s still not common. Integrating alternative practices with conventional care has helped to build trust between patients and providers as this approach encourages patients to take an active role in their care plans. A 2020 study conducted by The Family Medicine Education Consortium and Samueli Foundation found that of patients following an integrative approach, “82.4% report improvement in their overall quality of life, 55% cite a ‘significant difference’ in symptoms, and 7% said that it completely resolved their issues."
Increased Access and Affordability through Integration
Integrating naturopathic medicine with conventional medicine holds the key to expanding access and affordability of healthcare. By integrating naturopathic medicine into conventional settings, individuals can access a broader range of treatment options, leading to improved health outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Let’s look at expenses related to diabetes management. With chronic conditions like diabetes, it is often the case that a lifestyle intervention will delay onset for a greater amount of time compared to pharmaceutical-based interventions. The estimated total cost for a lifestyle intervention may average close to $12,500 per year. Lifestyle interventions offer better outcomes in the long-term as they promote sustainable and healthy habits for disease prevention and management. A diabetic patient can pay an annual average of $9,601 in medical costs directly associated with diabetes, and while this expenditure is low compared to that of a lifestyle adjustment, their medical expenses are still two times greater than patients without diabetes. Along with this, diabetic patients experience a reduced quality of life. While the initial cost of a lifestyle change may be higher, patients who are unable to take preventative measures pay a greater overall price.
The Power of Collaboration: A Win-Win Situation
The collaboration between NDs and conventional healthcare practitioners is a win-win situation for patients. It allows for a comprehensive assessment of patients' needs, combining the diagnostic tools and advanced treatments of conventional medicine with the holistic and natural approaches of naturopathic medicine. This collaborative approach enhances patient satisfaction and fosters a stronger patient-doctor relationship, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health journey. It's like having a dream team of healthcare professionals working together for your well-being.
Changing the Narrative: Shaping the Future of Healthcare
The integration of naturopathic medicine with conventional medicine is transforming the healthcare landscape. The evidence-based nature of naturopathic medicine, coupled with its emphasis on patient-centered care, is gaining recognition and acceptance among healthcare providers and policymakers. As a result, the scope of practice for naturopathic providers is expanding, making them more accessible to a broader population. It's like a ripple effect, spreading wellness and healing across the nation. You can even find an ND near you!
Final Thoughts
We've explored the profound importance of naturopathic medicine, witnessed the rising preference for alternative therapies among Americans, and discovered the transformative power of integrating it with conventional medicine. As the winds of change continue to blow, more individuals are embracing the holistic approach of naturopathic medicine, seeking balance, wellness, and healing. By integrating the best of both worlds, we can shape the future of healthcare, empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being.
Let's embrace this transformative synergy and unlock the magic of naturopathic medicine together! Here are some great next steps you can take:
Check out Dr. Anjali Kasunich’s article: How Can A Naturopathic Doctor Help You in 2022?
Follow this link to book a FREE discovery call with Dr. Anjali to begin your healing journey.
Join the Holistic Healer’s Circle, our online learning community to get even more access to naturopathic doctor-approved tips, live Q&As and monthly workshops
About the Author
Sirisha Yadavalli is a pharmaceuticals Project Manager and Healthcare Operations Manager for Mantra Natural Medicine. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rutgers, she pursued a Masters of Public Health in Health Policy & Management from Temple University. During her time at Temple, she interned for Dr. Anjali Kasunich at Mantra Natural Medicine where they created an online learning community to increase access to primary care through naturopathic medicine. After obtaining her M.P.H., she went on to become a Healthcare Operations Manager at Mantra Natural Medicine. Sirisha will continue her education on complementary therapies by studying Ayurveda, with the hopes of becoming an Ayurvedic Practitioner in the future.
Outside of her interests in the health industry, Sirisha enjoys traveling the world, hiking, spending time with friends and family, and cooking. You may even catch her binge watching her comfort shows, like The Great British Bake Off or a good mystery/thriller.
