FAQs
Transitioning to a more holistic lifestyle begins with implementing naturopathic medicine into all aspects of life. As you begin your journey at Ascend, our office will endeavor to provide you with as much of a resource as possible. Please read the following FAQs before scheduling your first visit, and contact Ascend Integrative Medicine personnel for additional inquiries.
How Does Naturopathic Medicine Work?
Naturopathic medicine is a science-based tradition that promotes wellness by identifying the unique aspects of each patient and then employing non-toxic natural therapies to restore his or her physiological, psychological, and structural balance.
What Is Naturopathic A Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors investigate the root cause of disease using in-depth diagnostic labs. With an in-depth diagnostic lab, we create an individualized treatment plan that is safe, efficient, and effective.
We work with a large tool kit of evidence-based natural therapies: that include healing herbs, vitamins, minerals, homeopathic remedies, bioidentical hormones, nutritional IVs and other natural therapies.
How Is Naturopathic Medicine Different Than Conventional Medicine Or Homeopathy?
Naturopathic medicine and conventional medicine are both valuable systems that excel in different aspects of patient care. Conventional medicine is crucial in most emergency situations. Naturopathic medicine is the best approach to prevention, because it involves a wellness-oriented diet, lifestyle change and supplements that support the body. Naturopathic medicine is often the best, first-step in managing chronic illnesses, such as arthritis or eczema. These conditions improve when diet, lifestyle and nutrient deficiencies are addressed. Additionally, naturopathic medicine is a great choice for non-emergency acute illnesses, such as colds and flus, because naturopathic medicine modalities effectively support the body’s immune system
For most diseases, conventional medicine treats symptoms alone, usually with drugs or surgery. While sometimes necessary, this can lead to long-term management with an improvement in symptoms at the cost of side effects (ADR’s) * , which often require more drugs. Naturopathic medicine, on the other hand, attempts to treat the root cause of the health issue so that the body can ultimately heal itself. The results can be measured as a reduction or elimination of drugs, improved vitality and/or a complete reversal of disease.
Naturopathic medicine does not abandon the conventional medical model. Many aspects of the conventional approach to medicine are not only beneficial but also essential for the practice of naturopathic medicine. For example, naturopathic doctors are trained in conventional medical sciences and routinely order conventional labs and scans alongside alternative medicine tests (like nutrient blood tests and food sensitivity panels) to help establish appropriate diagnosis of disease conditions and monitor treatment progress.
Naturopathic doctors are also trained in pharmacology, and if necessary, can write a prescription for pharmaceutical medications. Dr. Anavim has an extensive network of Southern California’s most distinguished specialists to assure his patients receive the highest standard of care or when a diagnosis requires acute care stabilization in a health crisis.
“Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a medical philosophy and practice based on the idea that the body has the ability to heal itself. Homeopathy was founded in the late 1700s in Germany and has been widely practiced throughout Europe. Homeopathic medicine views symptoms of illness as normal responses of the body as it attempts to regain health. A homeopathic health practitioner (homeopath) uses pills or liquid mixtures (solutions) containing only a little of an active ingredient (usually a plant or mineral) for treatment of disease.” (WebMD)
Do Health Insurance Plans Cover Naturopathic Medicine?
There is a wide range of health insurance plans that cover naturopathic medicine. In fact, many large insurance companies now offer coverage for naturopathy as an alternative to traditional Western medicine. At Ascend Integrative Medicine, we understand the importance of receiving quality care at an affordable cost. If you have questions about whether or not your plan covers naturopathic services, please contact your health insurance provider for more information. Some HSA accounts may cover the cost of supplements, check with your coverage provider for options available to you.
If you are looking for a health provider that offers natural therapies alongside prescription medications, look no further than Ascend Integrative Medicine. Our team of highly educated and certified naturopathic doctors are here to provide you with the best possible care.