What is Naturopathic Medicine?
A naturopathic physician (N.D.) has completed a postgraduate medical education specializing in natural medicine. Naturopathic physicians are distinct from acupuncturists, chiropractors, osteopaths and medical doctors. They are uniquely trained to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to assist your body’s innate healing process. Naturopaths are skilled in the use of natural therapeutics, including clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, acupuncture, natural childbirth and hydrotherapy. They tailor these approaches to the needs of an individual patient. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
Education
As with all physicians today, naturopathic doctors are trained in a four-year graduate school accredited by a council authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. In their first two years, naturopathic students complete advanced science courses and study from standard medical textbooks. They learn to utilize modern diagnostic and laboratory equipment and tests. It is the last two years of clinical training which really make the difference. At this point in their training, naturopaths learn and put into practice the naturopathic guiding principles.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
FIRST DO NO HARM
Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risk of harmful side-effects. They are trained to know which patients they can treat safely and which ones they need to refer to other health care providers.
FIND THE CAUSE
Every illness has an underlying cause which can often be found in certain aspects of your lifestyle, environment or diet. Naturopaths are trained to find and help you remove the underlying cause of your poor health.
THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE
Natural forces act powerfully through the healing mechanisms already present in your mind and body. These forces maintain and restore health naturally. This is called the homeostatic principle of physiology. When these mechanisms break down, naturopathic physicians work to restore and support these natural and inherent healing systems. They do so by using methods, remedies and techniques that are in harmony with natural processes.
TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON
Health or disease comes from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat you as a whole person taking these factors into account. In the approach, naturopathy is similar to the wisdom of the past as seen in ancient healing systems such as Ayurvedic medicine of India, oriental medicine, Native American medicine and homeopathy.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
The naturopathic approach to health care can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative diseases. Patients are taught the principles by which they can prevent major illnesses to live a healthy life.
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