Integrative medicine is the practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease using an approach that utilizes holistic in addition to conventional methods. As a naturopathic primary care physician, Dr. Ruthensteiner's guiding principle is to optimize health, rather than focusing her energies only on disease management.
Naturopathic physicians undergo similar medical training as conventional doctors. They attend accredited schools of medicine and become licensed in their profession, allowing them to provide comprehensive primary care for their patients. What sets them apart from conventional practitioners is the preferential use of alternative and more holistic therapies to overcome illness. However, naturopathic physicians also have the ability to prescribe pharmaceutical medications when indicated.
How does naturopathic integrative care differ from conventional primary care?
Naturopathic physicians undergo similar medical training as conventional doctors. They attend accredited schools of medicine and become licensed in their profession, allowing them to provide comprehensive primary care for their patients. What sets them apart from conventional practitioners is the preferential use of alternative and more holistic therapies to overcome illness. However, naturopathic physicians also have the ability to prescribe pharmaceutical medications when indicated.
How does naturopathic integrative care differ from conventional primary care?
- Typically, the gentlest and least invasive therapies are used to encourage appropriate healing.
- The diagnostics focus on determining the cause of symptoms, rather than the symptoms themselves.
- Questions are encouraged, and there is relaxed time for visits, as these allow for informed, thoughtful treatment decisions.
- Every patient is given a personal treatment plan that accounts for their individual health picture. Treatment may include herbs, homeopathic medicines, physical therapeutics, and, occasionally, conventional pharmaceuticals.
