Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Naturopathic Medicine?
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by insurance?
- What kind of training do naturopathic physicians have?
- Do naturopaths do acupuncture?
- What kind of treatments do you use?
- What is Craniosacral Therapy?
- Will naturopathic doctors work with conventional medical providers?
- Is naturopathic medicine right for me?
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
A naturopathic doctor is similar to a primary care doctor. Similar to a conventional medical doctor, we perform physical exams, order lab work and diagnostic imaging, make a diagnosis and have experience with pharmaceutical drugs. Naturopathic medicine works with the belief that each body has an innate ability to heal itself and we work to help you remove obstacles to your healing path. Naturopathic physicians strive to help each individual find and treat the root cause of illness instead of treating symptoms. We are trained in a wide variety of natural treatment modalities, that can help provide you the best care with minimal side effects. Naturopathic medicine uses a holistic approach that addresses the health of each unique individual, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
The 6 Core Principles of Naturopathic Medicine include:
1. First, do no harm. Naturopathic doctors use safe & effective natural medicine.
2. The healing power of nature. Our bodies have a powerful instinct to heal themselves. Our job is to help you identify obstacles and ways to overcome them.
3. Treat the whole person. We look at each individual to find a treatment plan and lifestyle changes that will work for them.
4. Identify and treat the cause. We diagnose the problem, and then we ask “Why does he/she have this problem?” By addressing problems this way we can often remove symptoms completely.
5. Doctor as teacher. Our job is to educate and empower each patient.
6. Prevention. The best medicine is to prevent disease from occurring by proactively treating mild symptoms, optimizing health through lifestyle changes, and recognizing risk factors.
For more information:
- Read an article on Naturopathic medicine from the Huffington Post
A naturopathic doctor is similar to a primary care doctor. Similar to a conventional medical doctor, we perform physical exams, order lab work and diagnostic imaging, make a diagnosis and have experience with pharmaceutical drugs. Naturopathic medicine works with the belief that each body has an innate ability to heal itself and we work to help you remove obstacles to your healing path. Naturopathic physicians strive to help each individual find and treat the root cause of illness instead of treating symptoms. We are trained in a wide variety of natural treatment modalities, that can help provide you the best care with minimal side effects. Naturopathic medicine uses a holistic approach that addresses the health of each unique individual, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
The 6 Core Principles of Naturopathic Medicine include:
1. First, do no harm. Naturopathic doctors use safe & effective natural medicine.
2. The healing power of nature. Our bodies have a powerful instinct to heal themselves. Our job is to help you identify obstacles and ways to overcome them.
3. Treat the whole person. We look at each individual to find a treatment plan and lifestyle changes that will work for them.
4. Identify and treat the cause. We diagnose the problem, and then we ask “Why does he/she have this problem?” By addressing problems this way we can often remove symptoms completely.
5. Doctor as teacher. Our job is to educate and empower each patient.
6. Prevention. The best medicine is to prevent disease from occurring by proactively treating mild symptoms, optimizing health through lifestyle changes, and recognizing risk factors.
For more information:
- Read an article on Naturopathic medicine from the Huffington Post
Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by insurance?
No - Currently naturopathic medicine in Minnesota is not covered by insurance. This may change in the future. Naturopaths are able to take health savings accounts (HSA or FSA). Also, you can request a superbill, which you can personally submit to your insurance to see if they will reimburse you.
No - Currently naturopathic medicine in Minnesota is not covered by insurance. This may change in the future. Naturopaths are able to take health savings accounts (HSA or FSA). Also, you can request a superbill, which you can personally submit to your insurance to see if they will reimburse you.
What kind of training do Naturopathic physicians have?
Licensed naturopaths are trained similar to conventional (allopathic) medical doctors completing a four year graduate education at an accredited school. During this training we complete similar coursework in basic sciences, clinical and physical diagnosis, and pharmacology.
Naturopathic training differs from conventional training in the area of treatment and philosophy. In terms of treatment, both conventional and naturopathic doctors learn pharmacology and minor surgery. Conventional doctors often specialize in these treatments. Naturopaths differ by being trained in a variety of other treatment modalities. See examples of the treatments that Dr. Barkeim specializes in here. See comparison charts of training also available below.
Licensed naturopaths are trained similar to conventional (allopathic) medical doctors completing a four year graduate education at an accredited school. During this training we complete similar coursework in basic sciences, clinical and physical diagnosis, and pharmacology.
Naturopathic training differs from conventional training in the area of treatment and philosophy. In terms of treatment, both conventional and naturopathic doctors learn pharmacology and minor surgery. Conventional doctors often specialize in these treatments. Naturopaths differ by being trained in a variety of other treatment modalities. See examples of the treatments that Dr. Barkeim specializes in here. See comparison charts of training also available below.
Comparison of Training Credits
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Another more detailed comparison chart is available here: Medical Education Cirriculum Comparison
Do naturopathic doctors (ND) do acupuncture?
Not all NDs do acupuncture. Acupuncture is a separate training that some NDs choose to complete. Check with your ND before assuming they do acupuncture. Dr. Barkeim does not do acupuncture but offers other relaxing bodywork therapies like craniosacral therapy.
Not all NDs do acupuncture. Acupuncture is a separate training that some NDs choose to complete. Check with your ND before assuming they do acupuncture. Dr. Barkeim does not do acupuncture but offers other relaxing bodywork therapies like craniosacral therapy.
What kind of treatments do you use?
Naturopathic doctors are trained in a variety of treatment modalities. I often use the forms of treatment listed below:
Naturopathic doctors are trained in a variety of treatment modalities. I often use the forms of treatment listed below:
- Botanical Medicine (Herbs) - Herbal medicine is an powerful treatment method that can be delivered in many forms. Commonly used forms are tinctures or teas. Both of which are a nice way to support your health while avoiding the need to "take a pill". Herbal medications also come in capsule or tablet form.
- Homeopathy - Homeopathy is a safe and effective treatment. It is based on the philosophy of "like cures like". Therefore, the remedy that is chosen for the patient is given based on the specific symptoms that they are experiencing. This treatment modality is very holistic because it looks at all of the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Therefore, a longer intake between the physician and patient may be needed to get all of the required information. This medicine is often delivered by sugar pellets that dissolve under the tongue or in a liquid form. Side effects are very rare.
- Clinical Nutrition - Food is medicine that you take every day! By looking at your daily diet we can make simple changes that can make large differences.
- Hydrotherapy - Hydrotherapy is any treatment that uses water internally or externally. We all know how refreshed we can feel after a shower or sitting in a hot tub! The healing powers of water are abundant! Many hydrotherapy treatments are easy and can be done at home. These treatments have a variety of uses and can be especially great for recovering from a cold and decreasing pain. Recover faster from your cold and get a good night's sleep with warming socks! Directions for warming socks found here.
- Lifestyle counseling - Simple changes in lifestyle can make major differences in health. Together we can identify patterns in sleep, exercise, social interactions, relaxation, and breathing
- Flower Essences - Flower essences work on supporting health at the mental, emotion, and spiritual level. This simple therapy is easy to take and can help support a balanced mood, positive thinking, and decreased stress.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral is a bodywork therapy that was developed in the 1970s by John Upledger, a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.). It is a gentle therapy that is effective for adults, children, and infants. It works with our nervous system, which includes our brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These organs play important roles in the body sending and receiving messages. Daily and ongoing stress can cause blockages in the flow of information. Craniosacral therapy uses a light pressure by the practitioner which helps the body recognize these blocks and correct them. It is an good therapy for pain, stress, depression, digestive issues, hormonal disorders, and more.
Craniosacral is a bodywork therapy that was developed in the 1970s by John Upledger, a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.). It is a gentle therapy that is effective for adults, children, and infants. It works with our nervous system, which includes our brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These organs play important roles in the body sending and receiving messages. Daily and ongoing stress can cause blockages in the flow of information. Craniosacral therapy uses a light pressure by the practitioner which helps the body recognize these blocks and correct them. It is an good therapy for pain, stress, depression, digestive issues, hormonal disorders, and more.
Will naturopathic doctors work with conventional medical providers?
Yes! At Rooted Family Medicine, we will always work in collaboration with your other medical providers.
Yes! At Rooted Family Medicine, we will always work in collaboration with your other medical providers.
Is Naturopathic Medicine right for me?
YES! Naturopathic medicine is about providing a good quality of life & making sure you are able to live the life that you desire.
Naturopathic Medicine is right for you if you are looking for:
- Better Sleep
- Balanced Mood
- More Energy
- Less Pain
YES! Naturopathic medicine is about providing a good quality of life & making sure you are able to live the life that you desire.
Naturopathic Medicine is right for you if you are looking for:
- Better Sleep
- Balanced Mood
- More Energy
- Less Pain
