Naturopathic Medicine is a system of medicine that focuses on whole-body approaches to healing the causes of disease. While trained at managing and alleviating symptoms by employing all manner of therapeutics from diet changes, to herbal medicines, to pharmaceuticals (in some states, not in Virignia), the naturopathic doctor seeks inevitably to address the root causes of illness. 
Naturopathic Medicine thusly utilizes the most modern scientific approaches to health care and does not ignore or shun the standards of care set forth by Medical Doctors, in fact, we embrace this information and willingly work with other healthcare providers for the common goal: optimising your health and removing that which prevents you from living the full life you want to live. 
Moreover, registered Naturopathic Doctors have graduated from an accredited 4 year doctoral level medical program that focuses on naturopathic medicine and primary care. In some states, such as Washington state, Naturopathic doctors serve as PCP's to the public. Currently in Virginia, our license is not recognized and so we are unable to diagnose and treat illness, instead we work in consulting and optimizing health while working with your care team.  
For more information about naturopathic medicine, please see the website for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Additionally, for more information on naturopathic doctors in Virginia specifically, or to learn about licensure efforts for Virginia naturopaths, please see the Virginia Association of Naturopathic Physicians website.