FAQs
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that addresses the root cause of disease and encourages health and healing using natural therapies. These therapies are often referred to as “alternative” or “complementary” in reference to the conventional healthcare model. Naturopathic physicians integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies.
Virtually anyone with a chronic or acute health condition can benefit from seeing a Naturopathic Doctor. NDs are trained to evaluate all body systems when evaluating a person's health issues. Their training includes laboratory diagnostics, physical exam and pharmacology but treatment considerations also include a wide array of natural therapeutics. The patient is asked to become an active part of their own healing journey because ultimately, that healing comes from within.
NDs receive four years of doctoral medical training, including the same basic sciences as MDs, but with additional education in natural approaches to disease treatment and prevention. Naturopaths also complete several years of rigorous clinical training. Extensive professional board exams ensure that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician. Visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website for more information.
Although Dr. Maura and Dr. Galina are trained to do both things, naturopaths are not currently licensed to prescribe medications in New York. The doctors can order a vast array of functional medicine testing and will often suggest that you order specific labs from your primary care doctor and bring in your results for review.
While naturopaths are licensed in 18 states, in New York the licensure effort is still underway and, as a result, Dr. Maura is unable to take insurance at this time. Please visit Support Licensure for Naturopathic Doctors in New York.
Yes, naturopaths often refer to other doctors, acupuncturists, massage therapists and other specialists and The Dr. Maura Practice has a referral network of top-quality healthcare providers to ensure you get the best possible care; she will also happily collaborate with any doctor or provider you are currently seeing.
Healing is completely individualized and therefore it's impossible to predict how long it will take your body to regain equilibrium. The doctors in The Dr. Maura Practice typically works with patients anywhere from three to 12 months; often patients stay with her for life, checking in annually or as problems arise.
Naturopathic modalities are gentle and non-toxic and typically have few to no side effects. The doctors at The Dr. Maura Practice are trained extensively in herb-drug interactions, so you can be assured that they will make careful and informed recommendations for you.
Naturopaths base much of their treatment around nutrition, herbal medicines and homeopathic medicines, all of which are backed by broad bodies of research. Many of these treatments are based on the basic biochemical pathways of the human body and, therefore, are inherently well-supported. Two journals that specifically publish on naturopathic medicine are Natural Medicine Journal and Naturopathic Doctor News and Review (NDNR).
