About Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic physicians are trained in all aspects of family and primary care and are primary care physicians in licensed states. They attend a 4-year medical school, similar to allopathic medicine, and must pass Basic Science board exams, as well as Clinical Science board exams, in order to become licensed.
Naturopathic physicians are licensed as health care providers in 16 states and the District of Columbia. Although New York State does not have a law licensing naturopathic physicians currently, there is strong effort pursuing licensure, and it is expected to occur in the near future. Because of that, Dr. Serena Ma acts as a naturopathic health consultant, and cannot diagnose or treat disease as a licensed physician. For more information, please visit the website for the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP) at www.nyanp.org.
Naturopathic physicians have knowledge in vitamin and mineral supplementation, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, physical medicine and hydrotherapy treatment, and nutrition. Strong emphasis is placed on diet, lifestyle, and exercise.
Naturopathic medicine is based on six principles. Each patient is approached with these principles in mind:
The Healing Power of Nature — Naturopathic medicine recognizes that the body is ordered and intelligent. Therefore the naturopathic physician identifies and removes obstacles to cure and helps facilitate this natural healing ability.
Treat the Cause — The naturopathic physician identifies and removes the underlying causes of illness.
First Do No Harm — The naturopathic physician utilizes methods and substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
Doctor as Teacher — The naturopathic physician educates the patient and encourages self-responsibility for health.
Treat the Whole Person — The naturopathic physician treats each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. In the first office visit, a complete health history is taken. This visit is 90 minutes long.
Prevention — The naturopathic physician emphasizes disease prevention, by assessing risk factors to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent future illness
