WHAT IS A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR?
Understanding Naturopathic Medicine and the N.D. Difference
A Naturopathic Doctor (N.D. or N.M.D.) is a licensed primary care doctor trained in both conventional medical sciences and natural therapeutics. Naturopathic doctors complete four years of graduate-level naturopathic medical school and clinical training, and in states with licensure, they must pass rigorous board examinations to practice.
At Paracelsus Natural Family Health Center in Pasadena and Redlands, Dr. Simon Barker is a licensed naturopathic doctor who combines diagnostic expertise with natural treatment approaches to address the root causes of illness and support the body’s inherent healing abilities.
While naturopathic doctors work with many of the same health conditions as conventional physicians, they approach diagnosis and treatment through a distinctive lens that emphasizes natural healing, prevention, and treating the whole person.
The Naturopathic Philosophy
Naturopathic medicine is guided by six fundamental principles that shape how N.D.s approach patient care. These principles distinguish naturopathic medicine from conventional approaches and inform every aspect of treatment:
First, Do No Harm – Naturopathic doctors choose therapies that are effective yet minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least invasive interventions necessary.
The Healing Power of Nature – The body has an inherent ability to heal itself. N.D.s work to identify and remove obstacles to healing and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Identify and Treat the Causes – Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, naturopathic doctors seek to identify and address the underlying causes of illness, whether physical, mental, emotional, or environmental.
Doctor as Teacher – Naturopathic doctors educate patients and encourage self-responsibility for health, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.
Treat the Whole Person – Health and disease result from complex interactions of physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors. N.D.s address all these aspects in treatment.
Prevention – Naturopathic medicine emphasizes disease prevention and early intervention, helping patients maintain optimal health and prevent future illness.
N.D. vs. M.D.: Training and Education
Naturopathic doctors receive extensive medical training with an emphasis on natural therapeutics and preventive medicine:
Similar Medical Education:
- Four years of graduate-level medical school
- Comprehensive training in basic medical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.)
- Physical diagnosis and laboratory assessment
- Clinical training with real patients
- Board certification examinations
- Continuing medical education requirements
Additional Naturopathic Training:
- 1,200+ hours in clinical nutrition
- Botanical medicine and herbal therapeutics
- Homeopathy
- Physical medicine techniques
- Lifestyle counseling and mind-body medicine
- Environmental medicine
- Prevention and wellness strategies
In California and other licensed states, naturopathic doctors must graduate from accredited four-year naturopathic medical schools and pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). Licensed N.D.s can diagnose, treat, and manage patients as primary care providers within their scope of practice.
Naturopathic Treatment Modalities
Naturopathic doctors are trained in a wide range of evidence-based natural therapies:
Clinical Nutrition – Using therapeutic diets, nutritional supplementation, and dietary modifications to prevent and treat disease.
Botanical Medicine – Prescribing herbal medicines based on traditional use and modern scientific research for their therapeutic properties.
Homeopathy – Using highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s self-healing response.
Physical Medicine – Employing gentle manual techniques, hydrotherapy, and other physical therapies to support healing.
Lifestyle Counseling – Addressing stress, sleep, exercise, and other lifestyle factors that profoundly impact health.
IV and Injection Therapies – Administering nutrients, vitamins, and therapeutic compounds intravenously or by injection when appropriate.
Laboratory Testing – Ordering and interpreting conventional and specialized laboratory tests to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Barker integrates these modalities based on each patient’s unique needs, creating comprehensive treatment plans that address root causes while supporting overall wellbeing.
Conditions Treated with Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic doctors provide primary care for patients of all ages and treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions:
Cancer Support:
- Complementary cancer care
- Mistletoe therapy
- Chemotherapy side effect management
- Post-treatment recovery
- Cancer prevention
Hormone Imbalances:
- Menopause and perimenopause
- Thyroid disorders
- Bioidentical hormone therapy
- PMS and menstrual irregularities
- Andropause (male hormone decline)
- Transgender hormone therapy
Digestive Health:
- IBS and IBD
- GERD and heartburn
- SIBO and dysbiosis
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Food sensitivities
Chronic Conditions:
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases
- Chronic fatigue
- Cardiovascular health
- Osteoporosis
Preventative Care:
- Annual physicals
- Health optimization
- Disease prevention
- Wellness maintenance
- Nutritional counseling
Naturopathic Medicine at Paracelsus
Dr. Simon Barker brings over two decades of naturopathic expertise to his practice at Paracelsus Natural Family Health Center, where he seamlessly integrates evidence-based natural medicine with modern diagnostic capabilities. As a co-founder of Paracelsus, he has built a practice centered on the six naturopathic principles, providing comprehensive care that addresses root causes rather than merely suppressing symptoms.
What distinguishes Dr. Barker’s practice is his specialized expertise in complex chronic conditions, particularly cancer support, thyroid disorders, and hormone imbalances. He is an active member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and has been recognized twice as California Naturopathic Doctor of the Year (2015 and 2023) for his exceptional contributions to patient care and the advancement of naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Barker completed his BA and MA from the University of Connecticut, followed by his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University, one of the most prestigious naturopathic medical schools in the country. He furthered his expertise with three years of advanced study at the School of Homeopathic Medicine in Darlington, England, and has completed specialized training in Transgender Health services. His commitment to the profession extends beyond patient care—he has taught Endocrinology at the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine and contributed to developing national naturopathic licensing examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are naturopathic doctors "real doctors"?
In states with licensure like California, naturopathic doctors are licensed primary care providers who have completed four years of graduate-level medical education and passed rigorous board examinations. They are trained in diagnosis, treatment, and patient management.
Can naturopathic doctors prescribe medication?
Prescribing rights vary by state. In California, most licensed naturopathic doctors can prescribe certain medications, order laboratory tests, and perform minor office procedures within their scope of practice. Dr. Barker primarily uses natural therapeutics but can prescribe medications when appropriate.
Do insurance companies recognize naturopathic doctors?
Many PPO insurance plans provide some coverage for naturopathic visits as out-of-network providers. Coverage varies widely by plan. Paracelsus provides detailed receipts for insurance reimbursement, and visits may be covered by HSA or FSA accounts.
How is naturopathic medicine different from functional medicine?
While there is overlap, naturopathic medicine is a distinct medical profession with accredited schools, licensing boards, and a comprehensive philosophical framework. Functional medicine is an approach that can be practiced by various healthcare providers. Naturopathic doctors receive extensive training in natural therapeutics that most functional medicine practitioners do not.
Is naturopathic medicine safe?
When practiced by licensed naturopathic doctors, naturopathic medicine is very safe. N.D.s are trained to recognize when natural approaches are appropriate and when conventional medical intervention is needed. They understand potential interactions between natural and pharmaceutical treatments.
Can naturopathic doctors treat serious conditions like cancer?
Naturopathic doctors can provide complementary support for serious conditions like cancer, working alongside conventional oncologists. Dr. Barker specializes in naturopathic cancer support, helping patients manage treatment side effects, strengthen immune function, and improve quality of life during and after conventional cancer treatment.
Ready to Experience Naturopathic Care?
Dr. Barker’s comprehensive naturopathic approach provides patients with evidence-based natural medicine that addresses root causes, supports the body’s healing abilities, and improves overall health and vitality.
Questions about naturopathic medicine?
Call either office to discuss how Dr. Barker’s naturopathic approach can benefit your health.
Call either office to discuss how Dr. Barker’s naturopathic approach can benefit your health.