“Naturopathic medicine was never on my radar until I found myself exhausted from western medicine testing and specialists who didn’t have any answers and was desperate to find figure things out. For years, no one could tell me what was going on or what I could do to heal it.
One day, I finally searched for naturopathic doctors in the Castle Rock area and found Colorado Natural Medicine + Acupuncture. I was skeptical – especially because the cost would be out of pocket – but I followed through on my determination to get better and met with Dr. Graves.
It’s been three years since I first stepped foot in the CNMA office and I now go to Dr. Graves for everything from the common cold to bouts of acid reflux. Finding naturopathic medicine and being open to a new medical perspective was one of the most profound things I have ever done.”
– CNMA Client
If you don’t fully understand the concept of naturopathic medicine or are hesitant to try it, we understand. Western medicine is what many of us have been told is most effective and it’s hard to deviate from what’s considered “the norm.”
However, as more and more people include a naturopathic perspective in their health regimen, you may be finding yourself wondering if it could be a good option for you, too.
Following, Dr. Graves answers common questions about naturopathic medicine in hopes you can gain insight for your own health journey.
How is naturopathic medicine different from care I receive at my general practitioner’s office?
Dr. Graves: There are a few main differences. First, naturopathic medicine works to find the underlying root cause of an issue or illness while many primary care doctors focus on just relieving symptoms.
In addition, naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to health which means it looks at all areas of an individual’s life – diet, exercise, stress, and sleep in addition to test results.
I focus on what may be causing symptoms and then treat it naturally, providing therapies and supplements that support the body in healing itself.
I am trained in traditional western pharmaceuticals (I have even worked as a primary care physician in Washington state) as well as educated in additional natural specialities such as nutrition and herbs. This allows me to prescribe natural or homeopathic options before turning directly to medications or surgery.
Who is naturopathic medicine best for?
Dr. Graves: Anyone who is looking for a more holistic perspective on health care.
It is best for all-around family care and can treat everything from daily ailments to chronic disease to acute symptoms.
However, it tends to work best for those who are seeking natural options in addition to or as an alternative to western medicine. Having the determination to stick with it and trust the process is vital for good outcomes.
What about insurance and naturopathic medicine?
Dr. Graves: This is a common question.
In some states, insurance does cover naturopathic medicine. However, in Colorado it does not. I am an out-of-pocket provider for my services, however, most labs that I recommend can get covered by insurance.
If you are wondering if the investment in naturopathic medicine would be worth it for your particular health issue and needs, please call me. I believe in sharing my honest opinion versus trying to sell or convince you.
Personally, I have found that I get what I pay for, and I am here to provide you with high quality health care. However, this is a personal decision for each individual (many times clients find themselves back at CNMA after going back to western medicine); I am happy to answer any questions.
What if I don’t live by the CNMA office or are even out of state?
Dr. Graves: I can still help!
For those outside of the surrounding areas, I schedule phone or Skype calls for consulting.
Within the state of Colorado, I am able to prescribe lab tests and services. For those out of state, it is legally required that you have a primary care physician that can monitor any consultations I do. I work with many of them for lab testing and any integrative therapies.
“I have never done an appointment by phone so was uncomfortable about not talking face to face. When Dr. Graves called he put me at ease right away and it was easy to chat with him about what would be needed to get my health back to a better state. So much better than the very long drive I would have done to speak to him in person.
Consulting a doctor by phone is actually quite a time saver for me.”
75 year old current patient, J. Zarlengo
Whether you live in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, or the greater Denver metro area OR you live out of the surrounding area or even out of state, we can help provide naturopathic medical options for you.
Please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to talk about what you are suffering from and to learn how naturopathic medicine may help.
It’s YOUR health journey. Is it time to do what may be best for you?
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