What can be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be helpful for treating a wide variety of conditions ranging from cancer to headaches to sciatic nerve pain. It may also be useful for:
Back pain, neck pain, knee pain, hand and foot pain, wrist and ankle pain, sciatic pain, nerve pain, arthritis, sports injuries, work-related injuries, TMJ, and carpal tunnel
Whiplash and injuries from automobile accidents
Migraine and tension headaches
Menstrual cramping
Herniated discs
Fibromyalgia
Emotional issues: Anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia
Women’s health: Prenatal and postpartum care, menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, symptoms of menopause and infertility
Pediatric problems such as bedwetting, digestive upset, ear infection, allergies, hyperactivity and injury treatment
Digestive disorders such as heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation
Respiratory problems such as asthma, acute and chronic cough, allergies, and chronic sinus problems
Men’s health problems such as erectile dysfunction, impotence, male infertility, urination difficulties and prostate problems
Miscellaneous conditions such as fatigue, adrenal fatigue, vertigo and dizziness, eye and vision problems, and tooth, jaw and dental issues
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is classified as an alternative healing method, but licensed naturopathic doctors share some of the same academic background as conventional medical doctors and can often prescribe some medications.
According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), naturopathic medicine is holistic care that addresses a wide range of problems including (but not limited to) allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Naturopathic medicine aims to strengthen and empower the body and its organs to heal itself through low-force interventions.
Here are some examples of the type of medical services often provided by naturopathic doctors, as cited by the AANP:
Clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing
Nutritional medicine
Botanical medicine
Naturopathic physical medicine (including naturopathic manipulative therapy)
Hygiene
Counseling
Minor surgery
Homeopathy
Acupuncture
Intravenous and injection therapy
Naturopathic obstetrics (natural childbirth)
Can naturopathic doctors prescribe medication?
Licensed naturopathic doctors can prescribe some pharmaceutical medication. Naturopathic doctors complete academic training similar to that of conventional physicians: a bachelor’s degree with a focus on pre-med studies, followed by a four-year residential naturopathic medical program whose first two years have a similar foundation to that of a conventional medical school. After completing their studies, they must pass a post-doctoral exam. Although licensed naturopathic physicians are able to prescribe medication, they usually focus on prevention rather than treatment of symptoms. A naturopathic doctor will offer a holistic approach to your care that encompasses your mental, physical and emotional health. While they will prescribe medication as needed to treat illness, they are also likely to be creating shifts in your lifestyle and nutrition to effect deeper changes in your body’s response to illness.