What Is Naturopathic Medicine in Sacramento?
Naturopathic medicine is a unique, science-informed system of healthcare that combines the best of modern medical science with time-tested natural therapies. At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center in Sacramento, CA, our naturopathic doctors are passionate about educating patients and helping them achieve lasting health — naturally. If you’ve been searching for a smarter, more personalized approach to your wellbeing, naturopathic medicine may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
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As naturopathic doctors (NDs), the physicians at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center are uniquely trained to bridge two worlds the public often thinks of as separate: science-informed medicine and traditional healing methods. While completing the same foundational science curriculum as conventional medical doctors — anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical diagnosis — NDs also receive comprehensive training in nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and hands-on physical therapies.
This dual education means your naturopathic doctor at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center has more tools available to help you than most practitioners you’ll find in Sacramento. Our goal is never to simply suppress a symptom — it’s to understand why that symptom is there and address the underlying cause.
In practice, this means your ND will spend time evaluating how closely your daily habits align with the fundamental building blocks of health, including:
- Nutritional quality and dietary patterns
- Sleep quality and duration
- Stress levels and stress management strategies
- Hydration and functional breathing
- Mental and emotional health
- Weight management and body composition
When these foundational factors are left unaddressed, chronic disease tends to progress. At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center, we work with you to build a personalized plan that makes real, sustainable improvements in each of these areas — while also using natural medicines where appropriate. Call (916) 446-2591 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.
The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Every licensed naturopathic doctor practices according to six foundational principles that guide clinical decision-making and the doctor-patient relationship:
- Do No Harm — Use the safest and most effective therapies with the least possible side effects
- The Healing Power of Nature — Support the body’s inherent ability to heal itself
- Find the Cause — Identify and treat the underlying cause of illness, not just symptoms
- Treat the Whole Person — Consider the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health
- Preventive Medicine — Emphasize prevention and building long-term wellness
- Doctor as Teacher — Educate and empower patients to make informed health decisions
These principles are woven into every patient interaction at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center. When you visit our Sacramento clinic, you can expect a thorough, thoughtful, and compassionate approach that treats you as a whole person — not just a diagnosis.
Naturopathic Doctor vs. Medical Doctor: Key Differences
Both NDs and MDs complete four-year graduate-level accredited medical schools with similar foundations in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology. However, there are important differences in philosophy and training.
MDs are primarily trained to identify a diagnosis and prescribe treatments — often pharmaceutical drugs — that target or suppress specific symptoms. This approach excels in emergency medicine and acute care but tends to fall short in addressing chronic conditions or identifying root causes.
NDs, by contrast, take a more holistic, investigative approach. Rather than focusing on the disease, naturopathic doctors focus on the patient. An ND treating a patient with arthritis, for example, might use herbal and nutritional support to reduce inflammation — while simultaneously investigating food intolerances, gut health, and lifestyle factors that could be contributing to joint damage. Our doctors at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center use functional diagnostic testing, including advanced food allergy testing and salivary hormone testing, to uncover these deeper causes.
Additionally, NDs receive about two additional years of curriculum in nutrition, nutraceutical medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle counseling, and physical medicine — areas that are not part of most conventional medical training.
Natural Therapies Used at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center
At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center, your naturopathic physician has access to a broad range of evidence-based natural therapies, including:
- Clinical nutrition and therapeutic diets
- Botanical (herbal) medicine
- Homeopathy and hydrotherapy
- Physical medicine and counseling
- IV nutrient therapy — delivering vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) — for healing, brain health, and recovery
- Personalized nutrition programs
- Chiropractic manipulation and therapeutic manual therapy
All treatments are tailored to your specific needs and health goals. Naturopathic medicine works beautifully as a standalone approach or in an integrative framework alongside conventional medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naturopathic Medicine in Sacramento
What is naturopathic medicine and how does it work?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary healthcare that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional natural healing methods. Naturopathic doctors are trained to find and treat the root causes of illness — not just symptoms — using therapies such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and IV nutrient therapy. At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center in Sacramento, CA, our NDs take a whole-person approach to your health, creating personalized treatment plans designed to support your body’s natural healing ability.
Are naturopathic doctors real doctors?
Yes. Naturopathic doctors are licensed healthcare professionals who complete a four-year, post-graduate naturopathic medical program accredited by recognized educational institutions. Their training includes comprehensive study of conventional medical sciences — anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology — plus additional curriculum in nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and lifestyle medicine. NDs must pass rigorous state board exams to practice in licensed states like California.
What conditions can naturopathic medicine treat?
Naturopathic medicine is effective for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including allergies, hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, digestive disorders, fatigue, anxiety, depression, autoimmune disease, weight management issues, cardiovascular concerns, and much more. Visit our Medical Conditions Treated page for a comprehensive list, or call (916) 446-2591 to discuss your specific health concerns with our team.
How is a naturopathic doctor different from a conventional medical doctor?
While both NDs and MDs complete rigorous medical training, naturopathic doctors take a more holistic and investigative approach. Rather than focusing on a diagnosis and prescribing drugs to manage symptoms, NDs work to identify why symptoms are occurring and address those underlying causes. NDs also receive additional training in nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counseling that most MDs do not receive.
Is naturopathic medicine safe?
Yes. The first principle of naturopathic medicine is “do no harm.” NDs prioritize therapies that have the least potential for harm while delivering effective results. All natural medicines prescribed at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center are evidence-based, and our doctors carefully evaluate each patient’s full health history before recommending any treatment.
Can I use naturopathic medicine alongside my conventional medical care?
Absolutely. Naturopathic medicine works exceptionally well in an integrative framework. Many of our patients at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center use naturopathic care to complement treatments from their MD or specialist. Our doctors are trained to understand drug-herb and drug-nutrient interactions and will work collaboratively with your entire healthcare team.
How do I get started with naturopathic care at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center?
Getting started is simple. Call (916) 446-2591 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Godby or one of our team’s naturopathic doctors. This no-obligation call lets you ask questions, share your health concerns, and decide if our approach is the right fit for you. You can also visit our New Patients page to learn more about what to expect at your first visit.