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What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine represents the synthesis of traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. It has existed as a distinct health care profession in North America for over a century.
Training
A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) has attended a four-year, graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as a Medical Doctor (M.D.). In addition to the standard medical curriculum, the Naturopathic Doctor is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, herbal medicine, psychology, and counseling. After graduation, a naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed in those states or jurisdictions that do so.
In January, 2004, the California legislature enacted the Naturopathic Doctors Act (SB907), making naturopathic medicine a licensed medical branch on the same level as chiropractic and acupuncture.
Please be aware that some healthcare providers call themselves "Naturopaths" who do not meet the standards and training required of licensed Naturopathic Doctors.
Philosophy
The foundation of Naturopathic Medicine is built upon six principles:
- First do no harm. By employing safe and effective natural therapies, Naturopathic Doctors are committed to the principle of causing no harm to the patient.
- The healing power of nature. It is the healing power of nature that restores health when sickness arises. It is this same power that maintains the body in a state of vitality. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to support and nurture the body's natural self-healing abilities.
- Treat the cause. Naturopathic practitioners strive to identify the underlying cause of illness rather than simply eliminating or suppressing symptoms.
- Treat the whole person. Many factors - physical, mental, emotional, hereditary, environmental and social - can influence our well-being. A Naturopathic Doctor carefully evaluates the whole person to provide a treatment plan that meets their unique needs.
- Prevention is the best medicine. The prevention of disease and the attainment of optimal health are key objectives in naturopathic care. Naturopathic Doctors assess risk factors and motivate people to adopt and maintain a health-promoting lifestyle.
- Doctor as teacher. Naturopathic Doctors empower patients to assume greater responsibility for their own health by providing the tools necessary for their journey to wellness.
Who can Benefit?
Naturopathic Medicine offers holistic and comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. It is useful in a wide range of acute and chronic conditions - including preventive care for those individuals at high-risk of degenerative disease (diabetes, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, etc.) or for those who wish to maintain and optimize their current state of well-being.
Some of the more common health conditions for which Naturopathic Doctors are consulted include:
Chronic Conditions |
- Asthma and Allergies
- Anxiety and Depression
- Arthritis, Connective Tissue Disorders
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypertension, High Cholesterol
- Digestive Disorders: Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heartburn/Reflux
- Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, Rosacea
- Migraine Headaches
- Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
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Acute Conditions |
- Colds and Flu
- Ear and Throat Infections
- Headaches
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Trauma, Injury
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Women's Health Issues |
- Menopausal problems
- PMS, Menstrual disorders and irregularities
- Fibrocystic Breast Disease
- Endometriosis, Fibroids
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Other |
- Insomnia
- Attention Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity
- Cleansing and Detoxification
- Weight Issues
- Smoking Cessation
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