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In order to practice naturopathic medicine in California, you must hold a four year graduate level degree from a licensed naturopathic medical school.
This includes much of the same training medical doctors receive – anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, and pathology. It also includes clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and physical medicine.
To apply for naturopathic school, you must hold at least an undergraduate pre med degree.
Once you achieve all that, you need to be licensed by your local governing body. Here in California, naturopathic doctors are governed by the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine. -
No. Naturopaths and homeopaths are not required to receive the same training as naturopathic doctors. They also cannot use the title “naturopathic doctor”, and must disclose to you that they’re providing unlicensed services. If you’re not sure, the state government maintains a registry of all licensed naturopathic doctors.
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Yes, absolutely. Wild Lemon Health offers naturopathic medicine, which is different from primary care. Your primary care provider can help in case of medical emergencies, and to provide the pharmaceutical options you may wish to pursue.
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Wild Lemon Health is a direct care practice and doesn’t bill insurance directly. However, you may be reimbursed by your insurance for treatments. Consult with your individual insurance plan for details. For stand-alone visits we provide a superbill and you may also be able to use a FSA or HSA.
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The scope of NDs includes prescribing hormones which include thyroid medication and hormone replacement (or sometimes known as Menopausal Hormone Therapy). Dr. Aguilera-Ruiz cannot prescribe other pharmaceuticals and would refer you out or write a letter to your prescriber to coordinate this part of treatment.
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No. Because of the virtual nature of care and how insurance coverage works, the clinic requires that you maintain a relationship with a primary care doctor for acute care visits and other physical exam needs and/or imaging.
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Our practice generally takes an omnivorous approach to diet which is plant forward, but not exclusively vegan. We’re able to counsel and support dietary changes across many preferences, but do refer out for those following a strict vegan diet so they can be best supported by someone for whom that is a specialty.
What is Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine addresses the root cause of your disease. Time is taken to look at all factors contributing to your problem including your health history, lifestyle, genetics, environment and mental, emotional and spiritual factors.
Views the body as a whole and complete system, not individual organs acting independently.
Strives to create a partnership with patients and engage in a relationship based on care and compassion.
Utilizes a comprehensive tool kit of treatments to help the body regain health and wellness. Modalities combine the best of traditional and western medicine and often have little to no side effects.
Naturopathic doctors attend a rigorous 4 year doctoral-level program at an accredited naturopathic school. To become licensed, they must sit for board exams and complete regular CE credits. To read more about naturopathic medicine:
Books and Readings:
"The Nature of Medicine, and the Medicine of Nature”:
www.huffingtonpost.com/david-katz-md/the-nature-of-medicine-an_b_5965160.html
"The Common Principles of Slow Food and Slow Medicine:
www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-finkelstein-md/the-common-principles-of-_b_6045212.html