Naturopathic Doctor In Atlanta

Progressive Medical Center is the top destination for integrative medicine in Atlanta, GA; where we combine the best of conventional and naturopathic medicine. We are primary care providers in Atlanta who prioritize your well-being and offer personalized, natural treatment options.

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What is Naturopathic Medicine?

At Progressive Medical Center we practice integrative medicine, which encompasses many different specialties, one of which is naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine is practiced widely and has many distinct benefits. When N.D.s meet with you, they are concerned with you as a person (not a list of symptoms). It is also important for them to address the root cause of your illness and not just symptoms- to prevent recurrence and to strengthen the body. Naturopathic medicine focuses on activating the body’s natural healing ability, using natural therapies, in order to prevent illness. They will first look for more natural healing options for you instead of immediately looking for chemical/prescription solutions.

In fact, many times natural medicine is MORE effective, and we can test for that. Our doctors first test to see what the individual’s biology will respond to. For example, in treating a case of candida, many patients’ tests come back that the candida will be eliminated better by MCT oil than prescription medications like Diflucan. And the MCT (Coconut oil) does work better for their particular biology! Of course, we give our Progressive patients the data from the test results and the option to choose which course they would like to follow.

The Benefits of Naturopathic Medicine

There are six general principles in naturopathic medicine based on medical tradition and scientific evidence:

The Healing Power of Nature.
The body possesses the power to heal itself through its internal vitality and intelligence. Naturopathic doctors treat patients by identifying and removing obstacles to the body’s natural healing process.

Identify and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect.
Naturopathic physicians always seek to discover and remove the root causes of disease rather than to suppress symptoms.

First Do No Harm.
A naturopathic physician uses methods and substances that minimize harmful side effects, avoid suppression of symptoms when possible, and respects each person’s individual self-healing process.

Treat the Whole Person.
Naturopathic medicine is a whole-person approach to optimal health and considers individual physical, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual, and other lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of disease.

The Physician is a Teacher.
Naturopathic physicians educate patients and encourage them to take responsibility for their health.

Prevention is the Best Cure.
Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention by assessing risk factors and creating appropriate interventions with their patients to restore health and prevent illness.

What is a naturopathic doctor?

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians who diagnose, treat, and manage patients of all ages with a focus on prevention and self-healing through the use of science-based natural therapies.

A licensed naturopathic doctor concentrates on whole-body wellness and works to identify and treat the root cause of the patient’s condition. Naturopathic doctors search for the least harmful and most effective approaches to restore and maintain optimal health. Most naturopaths provide care through office-based private practice.

Naturopathic physicians use natural therapies as a first choice for treatment. These therapies are supported by research drawn from many disciplines including conventional medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, phytotherapy (herbal medicine), pharmacology, chiropractic medicine, psychology, and spirituality.

Our naturopathic doctors in Atlanta are dedicated to treating you as a whole person, addressing not just your symptoms but the root cause of your health issues. By focusing on natural therapies and the body’s innate ability to heal itself, our naturopathic doctors can effectively treat a wide range of conditions.

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What training do naturopathic doctors receive?

Naturopathic physicians attend a four-year accredited naturopathic medical school and are clinically trained in all aspects of family health. Many receive additional training in areas such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine, natural childbirth, and counseling. The naturopathic doctor may often perform minor in-office surgery, ultrasound, physical manipulation of soft tissues, and gentle electrical therapies.

At Progressive Medical, naturopathic medical students complete clinical internships during the final two years of their medical program under the close supervision of licensed professionals. NDs often work with other conventional medical doctors, surgeons, and specialists, referring patients when appropriate.

How does naturopathic medicine compare to conventional medicine?

A naturopathic doctor is educated in all of the same basic sciences as a conventional medical doctor (MD) and must pass rigorous board exams. What sets the naturopathic doctor apart from conventional doctors is their use of non-invasive, natural therapies and a strong emphasis on chronic disease prevention.

Unlike most MDs, the naturopathic doctor is well-trained in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine (such as spinal manipulation), homeopathy, and psychology.

What conditions can naturopathic doctors treat?

Naturopathic doctors treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. They also address acute conditions such as infections and injuries. Naturopathic doctors can also help manage mental health issues like anxiety and depression, support women’s health issues including hormonal imbalances and fertility, and provide guidance on digestive health, allergies, and skin conditions.

How do naturopathic doctors approach chronic pain management?

Naturopathic doctors use a holistic approach to manage chronic pain, focusing on natural and non-invasive therapies. Naturopathic medicine approaches to chronic pain may include acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutritional support, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications to reduce pain and inflammation. By addressing the root cause of the pain and supporting the body’s healing processes, naturopathic doctors aim to provide long-term relief and improve overall quality of life.

Where are naturopathic doctors licensed to practice?

Naturopathic medicine has been used in the United States for many years but was pushed out of practice due to the politics of the medical field in the early 1900s.

NDs are currently licensed to practice in 17 states. To be licensed, naturopathic doctors must graduate from a 4-year residential training at an accredited naturopathic medical university, pass an extensive postdoctoral board exam, and must satisfy continuing education credits each year. It requires extensive training.

Read more at The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Does Progressive have “regular” medical doctors (MDs) on staff?

Yes, our medical director is a conventionally trained MD and we have several conventional medical doctors on staff at Progressive Medical Center.

MDs at Progressive Medical have expertise in emergency medicine, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and oncology. The difference is our medical doctors were also trained in various forms of natural medicine: integrative and holistic medicine including non-narcotic pain management, nutritional medicine, metabolism, anti-aging techniques, oxidative therapies, homeopathy, acupuncture, and environmental toxicity.

Their knowledge of natural medical approaches allows them to work together with other holistic health practitioners seamlessly. When MDs, NDs, osteopathic doctors (DOs), physician’s assistants, and nutritionists join forces, they can provide you with a comprehensive, natural, health plan that enhances your improvement and minimizes side effects.

At Progressive Medical we pride ourselves on delivering the best of both worlds- medical knowledge and therapies from the conventional medical field and from the natural medical field to help you achieve optimal health.