We are fortunate to live in a state that is leading the way in the local farm and food movement. The number of young farmers is on the rise. Independent chefs and food entrepreneurs continue to put down roots and build sustainable businesses.

When it comes to food, Mainers are rising up and taking back control from big agriculture and the industrial food monopolies.

What if the same uprising could happen in healthcare? What if Mainers could choose local doctors who spend more time with them, listen to their concerns, and address the root causes of sickness and disease, rather than simply managing symptoms? What if we could reclaim our health from corporate medicine and the pharmaceutical industry?

Here's the good news: It's already happening, and I'm proud to be a member of a group that is helping to change the way Mainers think about health care.

The Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors is a nonprofit professional organization that serves as the voice for the growing number of NDs in our state. There are now more than 30 licensed naturopathic doctors caring for individuals and families from York to Penobscot counties, including four right here in the Midcoast. While NDs employ a variety of different treatments, the common thread that binds us is an appreciation for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. We identify underlying causes of health concerns, and offer the least invasive and most holistic and natural approaches to healing.

The week of Oct. 5-11 is particularly important for us. The week is designated by the U.S. Senate as Naturopathic Medicine Week. It's an opportunity to celebrate the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable healthcare. NDs throughout Maine will be hosting open houses and other events. If you've thought about consulting with an ND, or you are just learning about us, it's a perfect time to give your local ND a call or email and set up a visit.

Collectively, MAND has been quietly changing the lives of Mainers for years. But as we approach a significant milestone in 2016 — the 20th anniversary of NDs earning licensure in Maine — we realize that many people don't know, or have misconceptions, about the work that we do. So let me share some of the basics.

First and foremost, NDs are fully trained and licensed doctors. We have attended four-year, post-graduate level medical schools that are accredited by the federal government. We are trained in the same medical sciences as doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathic medicine. We must pass professional board exams and continue our education on an annual basis.

Also like conventional doctors, NDs often use lab testing and diagnostic imaging. We are able to prescribe conventional medications, such as antibiotics, when they are necessary or desired, although we prefer to use other methods that support the body's resources and have fewer side effects. Naturopathic doctors craft treatment plans that blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches.

Instead of focusing on pharmaceuticals and surgery, NDs use therapies such as clinical nutrition, prescription of supplemental nutrients, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, Oriental medicine and counseling. Many NDs also offer functional assessment of common underlying causes of illness such as hormone balance, the intestinal microbiome and genetic factors.

We are not the enemies of conventional doctors — the hundreds of MDs and DOs across Maine who work hard every day for their patients. Quite the contrary, most MAND members have built excellent relationships with conventional doctors in their communities. We refer patients to them, and they refer patients to us. In some local health practices, including ours in Camden, NDs are working in collaboration with MDs, DOs and other providers.

This integrative approach is well suited for people who are realizing that both natural and conventional medicine have important roles to play in their health and well-being.

Dr. Barb MacDonald, ND, L.Ac., MSOM. is a naturopathic doctor at Camden Whole Health. For more information about NDs and to find a local practitioner, visit www.mand.org.