About Naturopathic Medicine

 
Naturopathic Medicine is a unique medical system that combines ancient healing principles with modern day science to provide the comprehensive care of chronic and acute health conditions. During naturopathic medical visits, Dr. Danielle may perform physical exams and order standard or specialty laboratory testing. Naturopathic treatments may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, nutrient supplementation, homeopathic remedies, anthroposophical treatments and/or pharmaceutical prescriptions. 

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Naturopathic Philosophy & Healing Principles

The Healing Power of Nature - Vis Medicatrix Naturae - It is the inherent wisdom of the body that is able to establish, preserve, and revitalize health.  Symptoms and illness are indicators that the life force is working sub-optimally.  The doctor's role is to assist and enhance the life force, to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery. Additionally, natural remedies are gifts from the earth and are used as first line treatments to nourish the mind, body, and soul.​



First, Do No Harm – It is the intention of the doctor to choose treatment and diagnostic techniques that are as less invasive as possible. The doctor’s role is to select treatments that are synergistic with the healing process. Modalities that simply suppress symptoms without addressing the root cause of illness are considered harmful to the patient and should be avoided or used very cautiously.  



Identify and Treat the Cause – Complete wellness and restoration of health cannot be achieved without first identifying underlying causes, risk factors, and removing obstacles to cure. The root cause of each illness may manifest on many levels, including mental/emotional, spiritual, or physical. The doctor’s role is to assess root causes, potential risk factors (physical injury, environmental exposures, congenital, diet and lifestyle, genetic expression), and recommend treatments that target the root cause.



Treat the Whole Person –The naturopathic doctor recognizes the complex interactions that take place within each individual patient. All aspects of the individual are taken into consideration when selecting treatments and modalities intended to optimize health and wellness.





Doctor as Teacher – Educating each patient and encouraging health is the primary role of the naturopathic doctor.  By creating awareness and offering resources necessary to implement a healthy lifestyle, the doctor can empower the patient to become active in their own healing processes and achieve the level of wellness they have always envisioned.



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Prevention - Preventing illness and disharmony is the ultimate goal of naturopathic medicine.  The doctor’s role is to assess risk factors and susceptibility to illness and intervene when appropriate. Minimizing future harm through education, lifestyle modification, dietary recommendations, and natural treatment interventions remain priorities of the naturopathic doctor.

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Licensing & Training of Naturopathic Doctors

Each candidate eligible for naturopathic medical school must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a 4 year university with completion of all basic science pre-requisites required for acceptance to a naturopathic medical school.

• Attend a 4 year post-graduate Naturopathic Medical program at one of the nationally accredited naturopathic medical schools.
• Complete the Naturopathic medical education consisting of: Over 2,300 classroom hours of basic sciences, clinical diagnosis, lab diagnosis, pharmacology, botanical medicine, IV therapy, nutrition, and all other naturopathic therapies. 750 hours of laboratory courses. Over 1,500 hours of clinical education and internship.
• Pass part 1 and part 2 of the Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).
• Receive a Naturopathic Doctor’s license from California Department of Consumer Affairs, Naturopathic Medicine Committee, Bureau of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Maintain continuing education requirements necessary for license renewal.

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Insurance and Naturopathic Medicine

​Although our services are not directly covered by insurance companies in California, we encourage our patients to call their insurance provider to inquire about patient reimbursement for naturopathic services provided by Danielle Schwaderer, ND. 

Naturopathic services and prescribed supplements are often covered with Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts!