What is the difference between homeopathy and naturopathy?
Homeopathy is a specific branch of medicine/healing that uses small doses of substances to treat conditions that would arise if those same substances were given in large amounts. Naturopathy is a much larger branch of medicine that often includes homeopathy, but also includes many other treatment modalities such as nutrition, hydrotherapy, and botanical medicine. Think of naturopathy as an umbrella, and homeopathy as one of the segments of that umbrella.
Do you do muscle testing or applied kinesiology?
Dr. Isaacs: I do not do muscle testing. Like my colleagues, I did not receive training in muscle testing as part of my naturopathic education, and I am not interested in incorporating muscle testing into my practice. Having said that, I think it is legitimate - but only as legitimate as the practitioner doing the muscle testing. There are practitioners at Ancient Art who use muscle testing successfully, so if that is how you would like to pursue your health goals, call our office and ask!
Can you help me wean off my medications?
Possibly. Legally speaking, in Colorado, I am not allowed to discontinue your medication. This is a decision that you and your prescribing physician need to agree on. However, I can help provide the health support your body needs, and as you improve, you and your physician may decide that you no longer need to be on your medication. This can be a tricky issue, often requiring collaboration between myself and your physician.
Do you take insurance?
Here in Colorado, quite honestly, the question can be flipped around. In other words, "Does insurance take you?" The short answer is "no."
Why doesn't insurance take you?
Here's the long answer. In Colorado, the practice of naturopathic medicine is not regulated at all. Health insurance companies aren't all that interested in covering services provided by people - even if they are doctors - who are not licensed. But in 14 other states (including 3 states that border Colorado), naturopathic doctors are licensed, and in those states, naturopathic medicine is at least partially covered by insurance. In at least three of those states, insurance plans are even required to cover naturopathic care!
Isn't there anything that can be done about this? I mean, I like the idea of going with natural medicine, but it can be expensive!
Consider a number of things.
- You may be spending good money on supplements. Wouldn't you like to get professional guidance on the best quality supplements to take, rather than trying to figure out what supplements might be good for you, without knowing if they actually are high-quality? Seeing a naturopathic doctor will give you more "bang for the buck." Besides, you may be able to even decrease the supplements you are taking, and spend less money in the long run!
- You may want to read this blog post by Dr. Isaacs for a view on the cost of naturopathic medicine.
- Since naturopathic medicine is not regulated in Colorado, and this is the main reason why naturopathic care is strictly cash-only, why not support efforts to regulate naturopathic doctors? You'll help make quality, effective and more affordable naturopathic care available - not just to yourself, but to friends, family, and consumers across Colorado! Visit the website for the Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors for more information.
