THE DOCTOR’S ON CALL:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS And LINKS TO RESURCES

1. Is naturopathic medicine a new profession?
   No. Naturopathic medicine integrates the wisdom of centuries-old, European natural healing methods with advances in modern, medical science. Since 1902, naturopathic doctors have acted as independent and distinct professionals within the healthcare system. Nature Cures-The History of Alternative Medicine in America by James C. Whorton provides a good historical introduction to naturopathic medicine.
2. Are you a medical doctor?
   No, I am not an MD. However, naturopathic education is on a par with that of a medical doctor in the biomedical sciences and clinical diagnostics. We are not opposed to drugs or surgery, but find that in many cases it is best to use less toxic or invasive methods first. We place a high priority on your health and safety. In emergency situations or treating serious pathology, conventional medicine offers life-saving intervention.
3. How many naturopathic medical schools are there?
   There are four naturopathic schools in the United States and two in Canada with more in the planning stages. I attended Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington.
4. Do naturopaths have a state or national professional organization?
   Yes we do. The Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors is our state professional organization. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) is our national professional organization. The AANP goes over many important topics including our professional philosophy, educational standards and licensing information.
5. Are there other kinds of “NDs” in the United States?
   Yes. Unfortunately some people obtain questionable ND degrees from brief correspondence courses, short seminars, or from non-residential training programs that lack valid clinical training. It’s a good idea to inquire where an ND was trained.
6. Do you accept health insurance?
   No. Insurance companies will become more open to covering naturopathic care when consumers insist on such coverage and state laws mandate it. Medical savings accounts allow some patients to currently receive limited reimbursement.
7. Where do I get my medications?
   In your consultation, I discuss options for getting your natural medicines. The links to resources section of this page lists some reliable local and internet sources. The consultation fee does not cover the cost of your medications.
8. What are some limitations to your scope of practice in Massachusetts?
   For most labs, it is more cost-effective for your MD to order the test since it will be covered by insurance. I do not perform school physicals, sign birth or death certificates, perform invasive procedures, have hospital admitting privilege or write prescriptions for conventional drugs.
9. Do you give vaccinations?
   No. I discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination and let the patient act on the matter.
10. Are Naturopathic Doctors licensed?
    Yes. In a growing number of states in the US and provinces in Canada licenses are available for NDs. I maintain a Connecticut license. Massachusetts will soon have legislation covering naturopathic licensure.
11. Do you practice Acupuncture? Are you a Homeopath?
    I do not practice Acupuncture, but I am educated about TCM and its methods. Our work is very compatible with acupuncture. I use Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs based on my research into western, scientific studies. I am a naturopathic doctor who uses homeopathy as part of my scope of practice. NDs have a great deal of western medical training as a foundation for using homeopathy intelligently and safely. Clinically I find that homeopathy has a key role to play in getting well when combined with herbs, diet, counseling and nutritional supplements. I am comfortable using homeopathy even if you are taking prescription medicines from you MD.
12. Do you treat my condition? How long will it take to get well?
    I have experience treating a wide range of acute and chronic complaints in people of all ages. I listen carefully to a prospective patient to determine if natural medicine may be helpful. From my perspective, naturopathy offers solutions for most conditions. How long it takes to get well depends on many factors. Healing takes time, commitment and self-discipline. I am an optimist who encourages hope, persistence and patience. Some problems take a few visits to treat while others take longer.
13. Is Naturopathic Medicine scientific?
    Yes. There is a growing body of scientific research that validates the use of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic schools are increasingly conducting studies that are published in peer-reviewed journals. Numerous medical studies validate the clinical usefulness of natural medicines such as herbs, homeopathy and nutritional supplements.
14. Are there risks or side effects to using natural medicine?
    The majority of natural remedies are very effective and safe, but some are not. The same is true for prescription drugs. Each patient is quite unique in how they respond to medications. I avoid using approaches and products that make excessive claims or that lack scientific study. And, I stay clear of all health fads.
15. Will your treatment interfere with the medications from the medical doctor?
    In this matter, the benefits of using natural medicines generally outweigh the risks. However the human body is incredibly complex so I always treat the patient’s condition with careful consideration. People are often able to use less or fewer prescriptions as their health improves. I refer them back to their medical providers to discuss any major changes to their drug regimen.
16. Could you send me a brochure?
    Yes. Please call the office or email me and I will send you a business brochure.
    
    

LINKS TO RESOURCES

Professional Links

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
www.naturopathic.org
The official website of our national organization contains basic information defining the profession, its standards and goals.

The American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges
www.aanmc.org
This site is provides information about a career as a naturopathic doctor.

The Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors
www.msnd.org
The official website of our state association dedicated to providing education and increasing access to Naturopathic Medicine in Massachusetts.

Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences
www.bastyr.edu
Dr. Martin’s alma mater is “one of the world’s leading academic centers for advancing knowledge in the natural health sciences.”

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
www.nccam.nih.gov
The NCCAM is a superior resource for information on complementary and alternative medicine available to practitioners and the public.

Professional Publications

The International Journal of Naturopathic Medicine
www.intjnm.org
This journal is dedicated to scientific evidence supporting the naturopathic medical profession.

Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal
www.imjournal.com
IMCJ provides peer-reviewed, scientifically accurate, practical information about the integration of conventional and natural medicine.

Herbalgram – The Journal of the American Botanical Council
www.herbalgram.org
The ABC is dedicated to education and research that promotes the responsible use of herbal medicine in our healthcare system.

Natural Medicine Resources

Emerson Ecologics
Emerson Ecologics is "the" online souce for professional-level natural medicines prescribed by NDs. My patients receive a discount and are sure of getting the correct medications that I've prescribed in their treatment plan. Emerson Ecologics is known for their superior cutomer service: 800.654.4432. Shipping and handling are reasonable and prompt. I will explain how to set up an account and order from their extensive catalogue at the time of your visit.
www.emersonecologics.com

Healing Naturals – Nutrition and Wellness Shop
1644 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02445
617.734.2415
www.healingnaturals.com
This independently owned nutrition store is known for stocking the best in herbs and supplements and staffed by an owner who is an expert in the natural product market.

Harvest Co-op Markets
Both the Central Square, Cambridge (617.661.1580) and Jamaica Plain (617.524.1667) markets are excellent sources for herbs, supplements and natural foods.
www.harvestcoop.com

Good Health Natural Foods
The Hanover (781.826.0808) and Quincy (617.773.4925) stores both have very good selections of herbs, homeopathy and nutritional supplements.
www.goodhealthnaturalfood.com

Johnson Drug – A Whole Person Pharmacy
577 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02452
781.642.0594
www.johnsondrug.com
This pharmacy has a large selection of natural medicine products including a wide selection of homeopathic remedies.

Debra’s Natural Gourmet
98 Commonwealth Avenue
Concord, MA 01742
978.371.7573
www.debrasnaturalgourmet.com
This recently renovated and expanded natural health and food store is a gem that stocks fantastic products for the mind, body and spirit.

Homeopathy Overnight
This mail order homeopathic pharmacy has an extensive inventory of homeopathic medicines including some of the more difficult to find remedies. 800.276.4223
www.homeopathyovernight.com

Washington Homeopathy Products
This homeopathic pharmacy has been in business for many years and has a superior selection of homeopathic remedies, books and ointments. 800.336.1695
www.homeopathyworks.com

Medical Information

Drugs.com - Drug Information Online
This is a helpful site if you want to get a better understanding uses and side effects of prescription medicines.
www.drugs.com

Drug Digest
Information on this site includes both drugs and herbs with listing of action, benefits and risks.
www.drugdigest.org

Medscape Today
This site is part of WebMD and has regular news reports on medical topics.
www.medscape.com

Cape Cod Healthcare
This site includes an informative glossary defining many natural medicine practices. Enter “glossary” in the search box.
www.capecodhealth.org

Organic Foods

Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets
In Boston, get your produce fresh, local and organic, spring through fall.
www.massfarmersmarkets.org

Whole Foods Market
This successful chain of markets offers natural and organic meats and produce year round. Their whole body section is very good.
www.wholefoodsmarket.com

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