Juniper Martin ND FAQ

What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a traditional medical doctor ?

A Naturopathic physician looks at the symptoms the body is exhibiting as clues to a root cause. Symptoms are not just eliminated. When the underlying cause of your symptoms is discovered, a Naturopath has the knowledge and training to recommend methods to support your body’s healing. Different bodies lose their healing ability for different reasons, and Naturopaths work closely with their patients and listen to those individual symptoms for clues about each unique case.

Are naturopathic doctors licensed ? How are they educated ?

Naturopaths are licensed health care providers in 5 Canadian provinces and fifteen states. The scope of practice varies within each of those states. In Oregon and Washington, ND’s are licensed as primary care physicians and are covered by insurance, perform minor surgery and have the same prescriptive rights as MD’s, and can order the same diagnostics (lab work and any needed imaging). Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care physicians and attend a four year professional post graduate medical program. The first two years consist of the same basic sciences as one would find at a traditional medical school such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. The final two years consist of over 800 hours of clinical training and learning complementary treatments like herbal medicine and nutrition.

What are some of the conditions and diseases you treat most often ?

My practice is truly a family practice. My youngest patient is 1 month old and my oldest is nearly ninety. Because of this, I see and treat just about everything you can imagine! If I had to pick something, I’d say that health issues that are a direct result of stress would be the most common thing I see and treat…hormonal imbalances, weight problems, cardiovascular issues (like high blood pressure).

Is naturopathic medicine covered by insurance ?

Naturopathic care is often covered by insurance, especially in Washington and Oregon. However, each plan is different , and it is best to call your insurance company and to confirm your exact coverage. Most companies now recognize and cover ND’s as primary care providers, but in some instances, we’re still covered under alternative medicine coverage.

Can you work together with my medical doctor for treatment ?

While generally prefer to work as your primary care provider, I am happy to wok in conjunction with your other care providers and provide consultation for options not available in conventional medicine. I routinely work with other practitioners to create the best plan. It takes a village of proper caregivers to heal and make you your best you!

What is homeopathy and herbal medicine ?

Homeopathy is a specific modality that is sometimes used in a treatment plan. It is a science unto itself, and is based on the idea that like cures like. The theory is that if a particular substance causes certain symptoms when taken in large quantities, then if that same substance is taken in extremely miniscule quantities that substance will cure those same symptoms it can cause. The fact is, as with many things in medicine, we don’t know for sure how homeopathy is working. But I can tell you that clinically, I’ve seen it do wonders!

Are prescription drugs ever used ?

Prescription drugs absolutely have their place. Of course, as an ND, I want to choose the least invasive treatments possible, the one that will best support the body and its natural mechanisms of healing. However, sometimes the best way to do that is with a pharmaceutical. Every case is different!

How long will it take for me to find relief and/or see results ?

When someone notices real change is very dependent on what exactly we’re treating. For something like PMS symptoms, noticeable change is fairly obvious from the get-go. Lasting change will take longer, generally 3-6 months. Also, it’s important to remember that while sometimes pharmaceuticals are used, Natural medicine is NOT pill-popping medicine….meaning, one doesn’t just take a pill and see immediate change. Effecting real, lasting change means changing habits and attitudes, and rebuilding neural pathways and hormonal pathways to function in the way they are meant to. This does take time and effort. But that time and effort does pay off in you being able to be your true authentic self and shine!