Naturopathic Medicine 101: What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
If you’re searching for a naturopathic doctor in San Francisco, you’re likely looking for more than quick fixes: you want real answers and long-term solutions. With more people struggling with chronic symptoms than ever before, naturopathic doctors approach healthcare from a deeper, root-cause lens. But what exactly does a naturopathic doctor do, and how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, we’ll break down what naturopathic medicine is, the rigorous training naturopathic doctors receive, and how this approach differs from conventional care, functional medicine, and alternative medicine. We’ll also share practical tips to help you find a practitioner who truly aligns with your needs.
Understanding Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic, science-based approach that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of illness rather than simply managing symptoms. It combines current scientific knowledge with more traditional and time-honored medicine, like herbal medicine.
What Training do Naturopathic Doctors Receive?
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) undergo an extensive, 4-5 year graduate medical training. The training includes the anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostics, pharmacology, and clinical sciences of conventional medical school.
With naturopathic medicine, the education also focuses on nutrition, herbalism, exercise science, supplementation, and environmental science. Most importantly, education focuses on what causes disease, what reverses disease processes, what creates health, and how to prevent disease.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine has these core principles:
Do no harm
Treat the root cause, not just symptoms
Support the body’s natural healing processes
Use the least-invasive, most effective therapies
Address the whole person: mind, body, and spirit
Focus on prevention and long-term health
Doctor as teacher
Of these core principles, the most important principle is “Support the body’s natural healing process.” We call this innate healing power, “The Vis” and it refers to your body’s deep wisdom and power. Your body knows how to heal and it wants to heal. The purpose of naturopathic medicine and the role of a naturopathic doctor, is to support the body in its natural healing ability.
Comparison with Functional Medicine
Functional medicine has become increasingly popular as people seek more comprehensive options than conventional care, which often revolves around pharmaceuticals and insurance-approved treatments. It seems like every day there are news articles and podcasts talking about functional medicine - but what does it actually refer to and is it related to naturopathic medicine?
In fact, functional medicine and naturopathic medicine share many similarities. Both aim to identify underlying imbalances, use advanced lab testing, and consider lifestyle, nutrition, and stress as key factors in health. The main difference: functional medicine is a framework that can be practiced by a variety of clinicians, while naturopathic medicine is a distinct medical profession with its own licensing and philosophical principles.
Many patients in San Francisco find value in working with a practitioner trained in both naturopathic and functional medicine for a more comprehensive approach.
How Naturopathic, Alternative, and Functional Medicine Are Related
These three fields overlap in meaningful ways:
Commonalities:
Holistic, patient-centered care
Emphasis on prevention
Natural and integrative therapies
Differences:
Naturopathic medicine is a profession with a specific medical curriculum.
Functional medicine is a framework focused on systems biology. Many conventional providers take functional medicine courses after they complete their conventional training.
Alternative medicine refers more broadly to non-conventional therapies such as acupuncture, herbalism, or bodywork.
Understanding the nuances can help you make an informed decision about your care.
The Nova Wellness Story
Nova Wellness is led by Dr. Jen Mann, a leading naturopathic doctor (ND) in the Bay Area. Like many in her field, her path to naturopathic medicine began with her own health challenges. After living in the Amazon, she developed intense brain fog, chronic fatigue, eczema, and gut issues. Despite feeling unwell, she repeatedly heard from conventional doctors that her labs were “normal” and her symptoms were simply part of life.
Dr. Mann says, “I had always wanted to study medicine. While applying to conventional medical school, I attended an open house at a naturopathic medical program. A single lecture on the philosophy of naturopathic medicine changed everything for me. I fell in love with it - the philosophy made so much sense. I felt that if I were to create a style of medicine, this would be it! So I changed direction, and attended naturopathic medical school.”
During her first year of naturopathic school, she got diagnosed with Hashimoto's, and many years later received a diagnosis of endometriosis. “I was told my only option was symptom management. But I refused to accept chronic illness in my life. Through naturopathic medicine, I learned how to heal my body and ultimately improve my health long-term.”
“I know how frustrating it can be to receive a diagnosis that feels like a life sentence - I’ve been there! That experience inspired me to open my practice, Nova Wellness. By applying the philosophy of naturopathic medicine to address the whole body - not only the physical symptoms, but also the mental and spiritual health - I know healing is possible. I’ve experienced it myself and witnessed it in the thousands of clients I’ve worked with over the years.”
Today, Dr. Mann brings this full-spectrum approach to her clients. She helps them see the connections between physical, mental, and spiritual health and incorporates all three into personalized care plans created alongside her team. She also lives the naturopathic principle of Doctor as Teacher, empowering clients to understand their own bodies so they can carry that knowledge for life.
What makes Nova Wellness unique is that we give our clients access to a comprehensive educational platform they can work through alongside their treatment plan. We also bring our community together each week for live meetings where you can connect with others on a similar health journey, ask questions, and build relationships - both online and at our in-person events! We know that healing is most effective when done together, that’s why community is such a part of our framework! We also invite your partner or family member to join your appointments so they can help support you along the way!
How to Find the Best Naturopathic Doctor in San Francisco
Research Qualifications
Look for a naturopathic doctor who graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical school and is licensed in California. Additional training in functional medicine can be a valuable benefit.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews can reveal patterns in how a practitioner communicates, listens, and supports long-term healing.
Questions to Ask
What is your approach to diagnosing the root cause?
Do you integrate functional medicine testing?
How do you personalize treatment plans?
What types of conditions do you specialize in?
Do you offer client education?
How do you relate to your clients?
Alternative Medicine Options in San Francisco
Beyond naturopathic medicine, San Francisco offers a wide range of alternative medicine practices — acupuncture, herbal medicine, somatic therapies, and mind-body modalities. Naturopathic doctors, like Dr. Jen Mann, often collaborate with these practitioners or integrate these tools into treatment plans. Incorporating other complementary modalities that support your mind and spirit can lead to deeper transformation and greater health. Many of these modalities will bring about even greater sleep quality, mood, digestion, energy and even your personal relationships resulting in longer-lasting health. It’s important to have an integrative team for your health and well being.
Despite what conventional doctors may say, there’s no way you can simply take a bunch of supplements or medicines and feel better! You have to incorporate other modalities that support your mind and spirit, since they are all connected. But the good news is that these are often fun and deeply relaxing treatments which can support your sleep, mood, digestion, energy and even your personal relationships resulting in longer-lasting health.
Integrating Naturopathic Medicine with Conventional Treatments
Can you still see your conventional doctor while working with a naturopathic doctor? Of course, you don’t have to choose one approach. Sometimes conventional treatments like medication and surgery are part of a holistic plan. A strong ND will work alongside your existing medical team, helping you understand lab results, medication interactions, and lifestyle strategies to support your healing holistically. Conventional treatment can be part of a holistic plan.
The Future of Naturopathic Practice in San Francisco
As the demand for personalized, whole-body care grows, naturopathic doctors are playing an increasingly important role in San Francisco’s healthcare landscape. People are seeking providers who don’t just offer temporary relief but who listen deeply, investigate thoroughly, and prioritize long-term wellbeing. At Nova Wellness, we’re inspired by this movement, and are thrilled to work with new clients who are ready to take their health and life to a higher level!
Curious?
If you’re ready to experience a more holistic, empowering approach to your health, explore working with a naturopathic doctor in California by booking a free Discovery Call with Nova Wellness. On this call, we’ll share more about how we work and see if we’re a fit for you! We’re here to guide you toward clarity, balance, and lasting health - and we’re so excited to meet you.
