A recent National Health Interview Survey found that the percentage of people in the United States using complementary and alternative healthcare services, including naturopathic care, has nearly doubled over the past two decades. It rose from 19.2 percent in 2002 to 36.7 percent in 2022. About 122 million people reported receiving those services in 2022.

Naturopathic doctor Nathaniel Petley, N.D., owner of the Waterville-based Maine Center for Natural Health, said naturopathic doctors are trained to diagnose, prevent and treat acute and chronic conditions using a whole-health, individualized approach. In Maine, naturopathic doctors are licensed “to perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop evidence-informed treatment plans,” he said. They are also permitted to prescribe a state-approved list of medications.

Some people seek treatment from both medical doctors and naturopathic doctors, taking advantage of the strengths of each, Petley said. Medical doctors typically emphasize pharmaceutical and surgical interventions, while naturopathic doctors focus more on prevention and patient education. They often use less invasive and more holistic treatment strategies.

Petley said the main reason clients seek his services is to find a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions.

“Patients add me to their healthcare team, using each member for their strength,” Petley said. “Patients are their own advocates and are inherently in charge of the direction they take and how they integrate the naturopathic perspective. My approach is to think outside the box to uncover new perspectives.”

According to Petley, naturopathic doctors receive extensive training in natural therapies, including botanical medicine and nutrition. They are also knowledgeable about dietary supplements and can help people determine which products may be appropriate for their individual needs.

“Supplements are widely available on the market, and it can be confusing to know which one is best,” Petley said. “Naturopathic doctors can help take the guesswork out of choosing what might be right for an individual.”

In addition to supplements, naturopaths may advise patients on which vitamins and minerals could benefit them. Practitioners assess a person’s nutritional status and test for deficiencies when appropriate.

“It is not uncommon to discover the root cause of a symptom to be a treatable deficiency,” Petley said. “For example, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can worsen in the presence of vitamin D deficiency, so it is important to test vitamin D levels and treat based on lab results.”

Petley has a special interest in herbal therapies and incorporates them into his practice when appropriate for a patient’s health needs.

“I incorporate a wide range of herbal remedies in the clinical setting,” Petley said. “Specific herbs are chosen based on an individual’s needs and health goals, using a holistic approach to treat the whole body. I work with a great deal of gardeners, homesteaders and herbalists, so whenever possible, I try to incorporate what folks might be growing in their backyard and teach them how best to use those plants.”

Petley recently launched a three-year herbal apprenticeship program in Oakland consisting of three 10-month courses: Essential Herbalism, Applied Herbalism and Clinical Herbalism. The website drpetley.com describes the program as suitable for people seeking a deeper understanding of herbal medicine, those interested in becoming practicing herbalists, healthcare professionals who want to expand their knowledge of botanical medicine and individuals looking to start an herbal product business.

Petley also lectures on naturopathic and botanical medicine. His lectures are available online through the lecture schedule listed at drpetley.com. Courses range from introductory to advanced herbal training, including continuing education opportunities for medical professionals.

Petley is currently on a teaching sabbatical but plans to resume classes and the apprenticeship program in the future. Upcoming dates will be listed on his website. He continues to see patients by appointment at his clinic, located at 325C Kennedy Memorial Drive, Suite 5, in Waterville.