Naturopathic & Functional Medicine

As more people take a proactive approach to their health, there is a growing interest in both naturopathic and functional medicine. While they are very similar and share common ground (ie. a focus on root causes of disease and individualized care) they are not quite the same. Understanding their differences, especially in terms of training and qualifications, can help you make empowered choices about your healthcare journey.

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive healing system and unique branch of medicine that combines time-honored natural therapies with the latest in medical science. Although not recognized as PCPs in all states, Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained as primary care providers (PCPs) through accredited four-year postgraduate medical programs. An ND’s education covers biomedical sciences, clinical diagnosis, pharmacology, botanical medicine, nutrition, counseling, physical medicine, and minor surgery. In states where licensure or regulation is available, NDs must pass national board exams (NPLEX) and complete regular continuing education requirements.

Naturopathic medicine is guided by six core principles:

• First, Do No Harm

• The Healing Power of Nature/ The Body

• Identify and Treat the Root Cause

• Doctor as Teacher

• Treat the Whole Person

• Prevention is the Best Cure

NDs offer a wide range of therapies, including lifestyle counseling, nutritional guidance, botanical medicine, physical therapies, and, in some jurisdictions (unfortunately not MN or WI currently) prescription medications. Our approach is highly individualized, aiming to support the body’s inherent ability to heal. NDs also incorporate functional medicine into their practices, such as advanced lab testing and individualized treatment plans to further personalize care.

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a model that hones in on the underlying causes of illness, often using extensive laboratory testing to guide the use of targeted therapies. Unlike naturopathic medicine, functional medicine is not a standalone licensed profession. Instead, it’s an advanced certification that healthcare providers from various backgrounds (ie. MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, chiropractors, nutritionists, etc.) can pursue after their initial training.

Common Ground

Both naturopathic and functional medicine practitioners:

• Seek to identify and address root causes of illness

• Emphasize personalized, patient-centered care

• Value prevention and patient education

• Integrate lifestyle, nutrition, and mind-body approaches into treatment

How Do Training and Qualifications Differ?

Aspect	Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)	Functional Medicine Practitioners
Primary Education	4-year accredited naturopathic medical school	Varies: MD, DO, ND, NP, DC, RD, etc.
Degree	ND or NMD	Original degree (MD, DO, ND, etc.)
Licensure	State licensure (where regulated) after board exams	Must hold active healthcare license
Certification	NPLEX (board exam for licensure)	Voluntary certification (e.g., IFMCP)
Functional Medicine Program Length	Not applicable (integrated in ND training)	Typically 12–24 months (can range from 1–4 years depending on program and pace)
Scope of Practice	Primary care (in licensed states); natural/conventional therapies	Within original license; functional medicine is an added certification
Clinical Training	Supervised clinical rotations during ND program	Varies by original profession; functional medicine training is supplemental

Comparing Naturopathic and Functional Medicine in Practice

Aspect	Naturopathic Medicine	Functional Medicine
Philosophy	Six foundational principles (listed above)	Root-cause investigation
Lab Testing	Selective, patient-dependent, includes functional labs	Often extensive, advanced testing
Therapies	Nutrition, lifestyle, botanicals, supplements, counseling, physical medicine, some pharmaceuticals (in approved jurisdictions)	Nutrition, supplements, some pharmaceuticals

Which Approach is Right for You?

Your choice depends on your needs and preferences! The bottom line is that both approaches aim to empower you, uncover the root causes of illness, and support your body’s innate capacity for healing and balance.

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Aspects of this article were created with research and support from both Perplexity & ChatGPT, and carefully edited by Dr. Aidanne to ensure accuracy, clarity, and clinical relevance.

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