10 Nov Naturopathic vs. Conventional Medicine: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Conventional medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating disease, often using prescription medications, surgeries, and evidence-based protocols.
- Naturopathic medicine identifies and addresses root causes with natural therapies like nutrition, lifestyle changes, and botanicals.
- Both systems bring unique strengths: conventional care manages urgent needs, while naturopathic care supports prevention and long-term wellness.
- Integrative care combines both, giving patients the best of each approach.
- Concierge MD LA offers licensed naturopathic doctors for in-home and virtual visits, with the option to coordinate with your medical team.
What Is Conventional Medicine?
Core principles of Conventional Medicine:
- Diagnosis-driven: Identifies disease using lab tests, imaging, and physical exams.
- Treatment-focused: Relies on pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and medical interventions.
- Specialist-based: Care is often divided across medical specialties (cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, etc.).
- Insurance-based: Appointments and medical treatments are generally structured according to insurance guidelines.
- Emergency-focused: Highly effective in acute care cases such as trauma, infections, and surgical needs.
What Is Naturopathic Medicine?
Core principles of naturopathic medicine:
- Root-cause focus: Identifies imbalances such as nutrient deficiencies, gut dysfunction, chronic stress, or hormonal shifts.
- Whole-person approach: Considers physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors in every treatment plan.
- Personalized care: Longer consultations, detailed history-taking, and advanced lab-guided protocols.
- Blending science and nature: Combines advanced testing with evidence-based natural therapies such as nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and targeted supplementation.
- Prevention-first mindset: Prioritizes long-term wellness and chronic disease prevention.

Can Naturopathic and Conventional Medicine Work Together?
- Complementary roles: An MD may manage thyroid medication, while an ND supports adrenal health, gut balance, and nutrient optimization.
- Prevention support: Naturopathic care helps patients reduce long-term risks while conventional medicine manages acute issues.
- Comprehensive monitoring: Conventional labs and imaging combined with naturopathic functional testing provide a fuller picture of health.
- The Concierge MD model: Patients have access to both types of care under one umbrella, allowing for seamless collaboration between providers.
When to Consider Naturopathic Medicine
- You’ve seen multiple doctors but still don’t feel well.
- You want to avoid unnecessary prescriptions or their side effects.
- You’re looking for a more proactive, prevention-driven plan.
- You want more time, answers, and education about your health.
- You’re managing a chronic condition and need lifestyle-based support.
- You prefer an integrative model where natural therapies complement conventional treatments.
Concierge MD LA’s Naturopathic Services
Our services include:
- Licensed NDs: Experienced naturopathic doctors offering in-home or virtual consultations.
- Comprehensive intake and labs: A detailed health history plus advanced testing to uncover root causes.
- Personalized protocols: Tailored nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, and lifestyle recommendations.
- Collaboration with your medical team: Integration with your primary doctor or specialists if needed.
- Targeted health focus: Support for hormones, digestion, inflammation, fatigue, immunity, and more.
- Holistic wellness options: Option to combine naturopathic care with IV therapy, peptides, or primary concierge services.
Take the first step toward whole-body wellness:
Summary
By combining both, patients achieve better outcomes with fewer side effects. Concierge MD LA makes this possible through licensed naturopathic doctors, in-home or virtual visits, and seamless collaboration with your medical team.
References
[1] Conventional vs. complementary medicine: Differences, Emily Cronkleton, Updated September 24, 2023.
[2] Naturopathy and the Primary Care Practice, Sara A. Fleming, Nancy C. Gutknecht, Prim Care, Volume 37, Issue 1, March 2010.