Frequently Asked Questions

	WELLNESS INSTITUTE Dr. Marvin P. Schweitzer Naturopathic Physician	1 Westport Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 203-847-2788

Frequently Asked Questions

How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?
A medical doctor (MD) has attended a four-year medical school and has completed a residency program. Naturopathic doctors (ND) also complete four years of post-graduate medical training. Our training is similar to that of medical doctors during the first two years of medical school where we are trained in basic medical sciences and in the second two years our training is focused in natural therapies. While naturopaths also study minor surgery and pharmacology, we have extensive training in natural medicine and procedures that are safe and non-toxic.

What is the difference between a homeopath and a naturopath?
Naturopathic medicine is a whole approach to medicine that encompasses homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition and many other natural therapies which can be regarded as subspecialties. All naturopathic physicians receive training in homeopathy—some of them are board-certified homeopathic specialists. Some medical doctors and osteopaths also obtain training (outside of their medical schools) in homeopathy and some of them are also board-certified. Many homeopaths are lay homeopaths not belonging to any profession. To get an idea of what homeopathy is, see the Energy Medicine section of Services.

What conditions does Dr. Schweitzer treat?
Dr. Schweitzer treats many conditions including, but not limited to, the following areas:
AD/HD, allergies and food sensitivities, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disease, candida or other fungal problems, cardiovascular disease, childhood infections, chemical sensitivity, colds and flus, depression, digestive disorders, headaches, heavy metal toxicity, hypertension, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and PMS.

What can I expect at my first appointment and subsequently?
Adults will need approximately 90 minutes for the first appointment; children about 60 minutes. During this time we will explore your present complaints, go over your medical history in depth and perform a problem-oriented physical exam (as appropriate). I will not only be performing a thorough conventional work-up but will also be obtaining information which will contribute to the understanding of which natural therapies (e.g. homeopathics, nutrients, detoxification procedures), laboratory tests and other diagnostics are likely to move you to better health.
We frequently perform a baseline heart rate variability analysis at this time to get a handle on stress and fitness levels. After the second office visit we usually see patients between one and three months later (on average three months later) to allow the medicines to work. The patient frequently leaves with instructions regarding wellness-oriented or pathology-oriented laboratory tests and will sometimes receive some medicine for an acute complaint at this time. Otherwise, we wait until after the diagnostic test results are in and the end of the second visit before the treatment/wellness plan is implemented. We attempt to deal with underlying causes—not merely the symptoms—educate and connect with the patient and above all, we try to use approaches that will do no harm. The second visit consists of a report of findings coupled with meridian stress assessment which facilitates the prescribing of very precise and varied protocols to help you get well or even healthier.