Dr John A. Briggs ND

Naturopathic physicians work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers. NDs practice throughout the United States and Canada. Qualified naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training before they become licensed health-care practitioners. NDs treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family health care. Among the most common ailments they treat are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. NDs can perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds. However, they do not practice major surgery. NDs are trained to utilize prescription drugs, although the emphasis of naturopathic medicine is the use of natural healing agents. YOUR FIRST VISIT As a naturopathic physician I take time with you. During your first appointment, I will take your health history, find out about your diet, stress levels, use of tobacco and alcohol, and discuss why you’re here. I may perform an examination and order diagnostic tests. Naturopathic physicians keep themselves up-to-date on the latest scientific research and incorporate this evidence into their treatments. I will work with you to set up a customized health management strategy. If necessary, I will refer you to other health-care practitioners. A first visit may last one to two hours and follow-up visits range from 30 to 60 minutes. Naturopathic physicians require sufficient time to ask questions and understand your health goals. NDs also need time to gather information, do an appropriate examination and teach patients about managing their condition and improving their health. We may also use diagnostic tests to fully understand your health status. Besides taking the time to carefully and fully assess a patient’s root problem, we speak and understand the language of conventional medicine. We can diagnose the way MDs do—yet, we bring to the patient a whole new arsenal of treatments and insights. Instead of waiting for a disease to emerge, we work to head it off before it happens.