Interesting question. In talking with some friends the other day the subject of naturopathic medicine came up.

Three of these people, who saw three different ND’s, had a very similar experience. Their visits consisted of getting a diagnosis, some diet advice, and a bag full of expensive supplements (proprietary/custom compounded formulas). They paid between $290 to $350 total. Their results were mixed.

This then led to the question of what does naturopathy have to offer that one cannot get themselves elsewhere for less cost?

A diagnosis? MD’s do it best for a $15-$25 co-pay.

Dietary advice? Take your pick, vegetarianism, acid/alkaline diet, Metabolic Typing, etc. These books cost about $15 each.

Recommend supplements for a specific need? Again plenty of books available, Enclyopedia of Natural Health, RX for Nutritional Healing, RX for Herbal Healing etc. etc.

Physical Medicine? Chiropractors and osteopaths can do that, again for an office co-pay.

General lifestyle advice? It’s on the Internet at sites like Weil and Mercola.

Any thoughts on this?