Facts to Know

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1. Your visits to a naturopath may take longer than a typical doctor visit-in fact, your first visit may last up to two hours, since the naturopath probably will want to talk to you at length about your lifestyle, habits, medical history and current health.

2. Different naturopaths may take different approaches to the same condition; some may advise dietary changes and herbal remedies, while others may recommend detoxification or counseling. Each chooses from an array of options to come up with what he or she considers the most effective treatment. The naturopath's field of expertise, his or her philosophy and your particular condition and needs help determine which approach is used. Graduates of a four-year, accredited program that results in full-scope, naturopathic physicians, belong to the AANP association, whereas other naturopaths with varying levels of training, most commonly from correspondence programs, typically belong to the ANMA.

3. Be sure to let your other health care professionals know which therapies you are receiving from a naturopath-particularly the kind of herbal medications you are taking. And be sure your naturopath knows your health history and what medications you have been taking.

4. While some of the approaches used by naturopaths-particularly acupuncture and healthy diets-are supported by scientific studies, solid evidence is lacking in others, such as iridology and colonic irrigation.

5. Let your naturopath know if you are pregnant. Some herbal remedies (and other treatments) may not be suited for you or your baby.

6. Instead of treating symptoms, naturopaths take a holistic approach in identifying and treating the underlying cause of your complaint.

7. Only a few insurance companies cover naturopathy, so be prepared to pay out-of-pocket.

8. Licensing and regulatory rules vary widely, so it's important to check out a naturopath's credentials before beginning treatment. One way to find out is to check with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. If you are visiting a naturopathic doctor (ND), ask to see his or her diploma. And in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington, you can check out an ND through the state licensing board. And, of course, you can always ask for references.

9. Naturopaths work from the perspective that health and disease are related to issues far beyond just germs and infection-everything in your life may be a factor.