Please see Naturopathic Medicine and Biotherapeutic Drainage for more information on naturopathy.  For further information on Dr. Achuff please visit  her Approach page.  

 Frequently Asked Questions

What type of training does a Naturopath receive?
What Kinds of Conditions Can a Naturopath Treat?
Is a Naturopath the Same as a Homeopath?
What Should I Expect From My First Visit with a Naturopath?
Will a Naturopath Work With My Other Medical Providers?

What type of training does a Naturopath receive?
A licensed Naturopath must complete undergraduate work in pre-medical sciences, then undergo 4-5 years of intensive graduate work at one of North America’s 5 accredited Naturopathic medical schools. During the first 2 years, students are trained in basic sciences such as biochemistry, anatomy, physiology and microbiology. During the third, fourth, and frequently a fifth year, training focuses on diagnostic techniques, individual modalities such as nutrition, manipulation, and homeopathy, as well as specialized coursework in neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology and women’s health. During these last couple years, the student is also training in clinical facilities to hone clinical skills. By graduation Naturopathic students will have completed a total of over 4,500 hours of classroom and clinical work.

What Kinds of Conditions Can a Naturopath Treat?
Naturopaths can help patients with every medical condition. Regardless of your diagnosis, there are tools with which ND’s are equipped that will support you and help you treat and even heal from any number of diseases.  Please see Services for a list of conditions and diseases Dr. Achuff frequently works with.

Is a Naturopath the Same as a Homeopath?
No. Homeopathic medicine is one of the multiple therapies that Naturopathic doctors may integrate into a total treatment program. Homeopathy was developed in Germany in the 1700s and is based on the principle of simillimum, or "like cures like", using minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities. Naturopathic doctors are trained in homeopathy as part of their educational program.  Please see Naturopathic Medicine and Biotherapeutic Drainage for a more information.

What Should I Expect From My First Visit with a Naturopath?
Dr. Achuff offers free consultations for prospective patients.  These typically last 15-20 minutes with the goal of answering questions and suggesting possible directions of treatment  Please Contact Dr. Achuff to schedule a consultation. 

An initial appointment with Dr. Achuff lasts 80 minutes. She will ask you to come prepared with a questionnaire already filled out.  Intake forms are found here. Each subsequent visit will take 50 minutes. Typically, we will review major health concerns, do a few physical exams, and get to know one another. My aim during our first visit is to introduce you to who I am and what I do so that you can get a sense if I will be a good match for you. As with any solid relationship, we will get to know one another slowly through consecutive visits.

Will a Naturopath Work With My Other Medical Providers?
Absolutely. As a licensed ND, Dr. Achuff has a full understanding of the differences between what she can offer you and what an MD can offer you. It will serve you best if we can create a healthy relationship between all of your healthcare providers, so that each of us can excel in our area of expertise and get you into an optimal state of health.