Recently I was asked this question, and the answer didn't come to me immediately. This is a question that we get asked often, and the initial urge is to almost defend the profession because of a sense that the public perception may be one of skepticism towards it. The question often gets answered with a comparison to MDs, and how our education and treatment philosophies compare. Although this is a valid thing to consider, I don't like the idea of having to position myself by finding the lack in another medical profession. So how did I answer the question?
Last week I went out with one of my girlfriends for a few celebratory drinks at a bar, and found myself in a conversation with a stranger where he asked me this question. At first my mind raced…. trying to recall that lovely elevator pitch assignment we had to do in our professional development class this last term. In my tipsy disarmed haze, the words didn’t come to me immediately and I ended up surrendering to a genuine conversation about what I really thought about choosing to see an ND. I gave him the answer that I would give my friends and family, and let go of the opportunity to perhaps convince this guy that the profession has its merits.
What I ended up telling him was that the choice between seeing an MD or an ND would depend entirely on his values and priorities, his commitment to his health, and his financial position or coverage through his work AT THIS TIME. The truth is that the right patient for a naturopathic doctor, is one that values and prioritizes their health enough to allow for lifestyle changes, AND some budgeting in order to follow through with a treatment plan. A visit to a naturopath is not always covered by employers, and depending on what you are treating it’s best to come either weekly (acupuncture), or every 2 weeks (botanical protocols), or once a month (dietary changes)…. In order to properly monitor results, make changes where necessary, and create some significant and lasting changes. A willingness to commit to regular visits, and a comprehensive treatment plan is essential to truly move toward resolving symptoms. We are able to push or stretch our bodies to adapt and cope in ways that allow us to accomplish a lot of things in the short term, but the commitment to healing and restoring our bodies takes more patience, and requires a different perspective on health.
The benefit to this is that without a doubt you will be better off for doing it- you will leave with a better understanding of your symptoms - how they may have developed, what will make it worse and/or better, and how to prevent the issue from reoccurring. Although we have the capability to manage acute disease, our real strength is in resolving chronic issues that have detrimental effects long term, both physically and mentally. The aim is to reverse the path of illness and restore the body’s function to optimal health, not just manage symptoms. Of course we can also manage symptoms- help relieve pain, calm the nervous system to help with stress or better sleeps, get rid of skin rashes, etc… but our aim will always be to create a more lasting change in your health. The NDs approach to health calls for a significant amount of time with each patient- this has its perks, but also isn’t for everyone. Typically naturopaths will set out 30- 45 minutes with each patient- that time gives us the opportunity to dig a bit deeper into causes, and allows us to provide some education, as well as support treatments and lifestyle changes.
The thing is, I understand that this isn’t for everyone. Some feel comfortable enough with their health, and simply value quick and somewhat easy solutions, that will support and allow them to continue on with their lifestyle. Some can’t, or don't want to justify the cost, or simply don't have adequate medical coverage through their employer. Some may even find it more stressful to have to put so much effort into their diet and lifestyle. I think that seeing an ND is a committed choice toward improving your health, and it’s not for everyone, at least not all the time. There will be times where you simply need more support- more time with a doctor to help understand what is going on, and the cost and commitment will be an easy sacrifice for the results achieved. There will also be times when you are too stressed to spend the time or money, and just need support to accommodate your lifestyle needs. I can honestly relate to both.
The other thing to consider is that not all MDs practice the same way, and neither do NDs. The best thing to do is find a doctor that you feel connected to, and comfortable with- go with them. The practitioner’s goals are always to help the patient in improving their health, the difference is only in the approach. Both have incredible merits that are suited to certain individuals based on their own approach to their health.
In the end, my truth serum injected conversation was a relief. It was nice to surrender the defence or opportunity for education on the profession, and know that it simply comes down to a personal choice. It’s not for everyone. It can be an incredible approach to health that will be suited to the people that connect with its philosophies- it's as simple and complicated as that!
As the end of the year quickly approaches, with whichever approach to health you may take...
Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2016!
Different strokes for different folks… Whatever floats your bloat… To each their own :)
