Naturopathic Doctors (ND)
Here are some articles I found on ND's
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS DEFINED
A question I'm often asked by readers is why I interview naturopathic physicians (NDs) for articles instead of "real doctors." The short answer is because they have the specialized training to know about things like herbal remedies and nutritional supplementation. But the issue is more complicated. What is clear to me is that there is much confusion about exactly what a naturopathic physician is... what his/her education is... and what role he/she could or should play in the individual's health-care team. To get clarification on the ND's role and practice, I spoke with Jane Guiltinan, ND, president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
A NATUROPATH'S EDUCATION
In North America, there are five naturopathic medicine programs currently accredited by The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), and one naturopathic program that is a candidate for accreditation by the CNME. Candidates for admission must earn a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) prior to admission, including standard pre-med training. The ND degree is a doctoral degree and typically takes four years to complete, just like an MD.
There are many similarities between the naturopathic and conventional medical school curriculum. The first two years of both curriculums involve basic science courses -- anatomy, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, and other Western medical sciences. In addition, naturopathic philosophy courses expose students to the concepts and principles and practices of natural medicine, said Dr. Guiltinan. These include nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, acupuncture and a variety of mind-body approaches.
During the third and fourth years, there's a mix of classroom courses such as gynecology, pediatrics and rheumatology, plus approximately 1,200 hours of clinical training under the supervision of licensed naturopathic physicians. In this phase of training, naturopathy students observe and help manage patients in an outpatient setting.
THE NATUROPATH'S ROLE
Think of the ND as the equivalent of a family practice physician, said Dr. Guiltinan. Naturopaths provide excellent primary health care for individuals and families. Like the conventional general practitioner with an MD, an ND will assess your health and direct your treatment, either by treating you directly or by referral to other mainstream or natural care specialists such as chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists or specialists in homeopathy, to name a few.
In Dr. Guiltinan's view, conventional physicians and naturopaths are most effective at different points in the spectrum of the health-care system. "At one end of the spectrum is crisis medicine," she says "and it's here where I think conventional medicine is excellent. Emergency care intervention, trauma care, serious infections -- this is where conventional medicine excels."
"Where I think conventional medicine has not done its most effective work is in chronic disease management and in conditions that don't really fit into a clear medical box -- chronic fatigue syndrome, for example, fibromyalgia or depression. With these types of conditions, the conventional, technological or pharmaceutical approach is not always effective as it focuses on symptom suppression, rather than the naturopathic process of finding the underlying causes and addressing these to support healing and the creation of health and wellness. This is where naturopathic physicians can play an important role."
THE ND OFFICE VISIT: WHAT TO EXPECT
What is different about a visit to an ND? At your initial visit you'll be asked about your health history and receive a physical exam that is similar to the physical at a conventional medical office. And like a conventional MD, an ND may order lab tests or diagnostic imaging tests. So, what's different?
"You'll find much more in-depth questioning about your current lifestyle," said Dr. Guiltinan. Naturopaths ask about your diet -- at minimum they will ask you to describe it but more likely you'll be asked to complete a diet diary, detailing your food intake for a week or so. We're also very interested in finding out if you exercise or not, and what your mental and emotional state is.
PHILOSOPHY AND TREATMENT
Dr. Guiltinan said that extensive questioning is necessary to get to the underlying issues around a health problem and address them, rather than just addressing the presenting symptoms of a problem.
Because naturopaths believe that the human body has an incredibly powerful ability to heal itself if given the chance, she said, one principle is to take a look at what the "obstacles to cure" are in an individual patients' life. What are obstacles to cure?
Well, sometimes its genetics, which we can do little about, she said, but some obstacles can be removed (for example, eating poorly, being too stressed out with work, exposure to environmental toxins, lack of exercise). If you can add support in the form of a good diet, proper exercise and stress reduction to promote the healing responses of the body, then you can further capitalize on the body's ability to heal.
In naturopathic medicine, most treatment plans, regardless of the condition, begin with diet modifications. The famous quote from Hippocrates, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" is a basic tenet of naturopathic treatment. In addition, supplements (vitamins and minerals) may be prescribed. In some cases, NDs will do the nutritional counseling themselves... in other instances that require more sophisticated or specialized care, patients may be referred on to a nutrition specialist.
Other common treatment modalities are homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical medicine and acupuncture and mind/body therapies. Again, depending on the patient's needs, the ND may provide treatment himself or refer the patient on to a specialist. NDs also offer psychological counseling. In this area, Dr. Guiltinan said a big part of her naturopathic practice is preparing patients to make the little and big lifestyle changes that will impact their health. In naturopathic medicine, the patient's participation in his/her own health care is crucial.
HOW CAN I FIND A NATUROPATH IN MY AREA?
To find a qualified, licensed ND in your area, visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Web site, naturopathic.org and click "Find a doctor."
So, to all my readers who wonder "why don't I interview 'real doctors'" ... I do. As always, we interview the most knowledgeable experts on a given topic. In many cases, those are naturopathic physician
http://www.naturopathic.org
Naturopathic Medicine: How It Works
The past 30 years has seen an extraordinary increase in consumer demand for safe, effective and cost-effective natural healthcare. Naturopathic medicine has emerged as the health care profession best suited to meet this demand. Although it almost disappeared in the mid-twentieth century because of the popularity of drugs and surgery, naturopathic medicine now offers safe, effective natural therapies as a vital part of the health care systems of North America the twenty-first century.
Naturopathic physicians are trained in the art and science of natural healthcare at accredited medical colleges. Integrative partnerships between conventional medical doctors and licensed NDs are becoming more available. This cooperation makes more effective therapies available to consumers. It increases patient satisfaction in their relationships with their care providers. More people are recovering their health by adding naturopathic medicine to their health care options.
Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine that assists in the restoration of health by following a set of specific rules. A basic assumption is that nature is orderly, and this orderliness is designed to result in ongoing life and well being. This dependable orderliness is believed to be guided by a kind of inner wisdom that everyone has. This inner wisdom can be assisted to return a person to their best balance by naturopathic treatments.
The Rules That Guide Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic physicians are guided in their treatment decisions by the idea that it is the nature of all things to return to balance; it is the nature of organisms- plants, animals, people- to heal. The naturopathic physician understands illness as a series of events that can be changed, or redirected toward order and balance, with help.
There are not many words in Western medicine for the inner wisdom that guides internal physical processes that lead to health or disease. Naturopathic medicine calls this inner wisdom the healing power of nature, or, in Latin, the vis medicatrix naturae. Naturopathic physicians understand that any treatments used should not further damage the ill person, whenever possible. This is expressed as primum non nocere, or the promise to first try the treatments that will mostly help and which do the least harm. When confronted with illness, the naturopathic physician looks for what in the patient’s life is most out of balance. The ND will work with a person to figure out the underlying cause of the problem. In order to remove the cause of the illness (tolle causum), the naturopathic physician must treat the whole person. To help a person be rid of the insults and stresses that are harmful, the doctor becomes a teacher (docere), giving the patient the information she needs to be a partner in her recovery through sensible self-care. Working in a partnership with a naturopathic physician helps each patient to learn new behaviors and effective solutions for their future, when efforts at prevention can be the focus of their doctor–patient relationship.
What A Visit With a Naturopathic Physician Is Like
In many ways a visit with a naturopathic physician will be a familiar experience. NDs use all the same sorts of interview questions, physical examinations, blood tests and imaging technologies like ultrasound and CT scans, that other doctors use to arrive at a diagnosis. Naturopathic physicians treat people in what are called “first contact” settings, meaning their office or a clinic, rather than in a hospital. NDs refer patients with serious acute illness or emergencies to conventional medical doctors when appropriate or necessary. Where the experience will be different is in the types if treatments the ND offers, as well as in the type of relationship the naturopathic doctor and the patient will have. Typically visits with a ND are much longer than those with a MD; the patient does a lot of talking, the naturopathic physician listens. The patient will be asked to be a very active and responsible participant in their treatment plan.
A naturopathic physician will be working to create an in-depth understanding of each patient’s condition, as well as to effectively communicate important information to other healthcare providers participating in the patient’s care. Essential to such a comprehensive evaluation is the in-depth first visit, which will usually last 60 to 90 minutes. Follow-up visits are usually 30-45 minutes long. A standard review of medical history and the story of the current illness will be recorded. Patients are often asked to provide reports of daily activities, such as dietary habits, physical activity, and psychological issues. NDs perform physical examinations as needed for the patient’s presenting concern and this is followed by any indicated laboratory or diagnostic imaging tests.
Treatments used in naturopathic practice include clinical nutrition and dietary changes, counseling for lifestyle modification, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, and nutritional supplements. Depending on local licensure statutes, naturopathic physicians may be fully recognized as primary healthcare providers. Some NDs provide or will refer for treatments such as acupuncture or bone and joint manipulation. Some have special licenses to provide services for natural childbirth at home or in birthing centers. Depending on what state they are practicing in, some NDs will use prescription-only items, including natural hormones, amino acids and certain drugs to help patients.
NDs are trained to recognize serious and life-threatening situations and to identify conditions outside of the scope of their professional definition or legal limitations. NDs work with conventionally trained primary care physicians, internists, and specialists in co-managing patients, participating in decisions regarding referral for evaluation and treatment by medical doctors and other sorts of health care practitioners as well. Gathering and sharing important information with other healthcare providers for the good of the patient is a central feature of naturopathic medical practice.
OVERVIEW
The scope of practice for naturopathic medicine includes all aspects of preventative and natural health for your family, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Naturopathic doctors can help patients with ailments such as colds and flus, injuries and sleep disorders, as well as with more chronic health concerns such as arthritis and chronic pain, allergies and asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, depression, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, HIV/AIDS, adjunctive care for cancer and much more.
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention of disease, encouragement of the body’s inherent healing abilities, treatment of the whole person and personal responsibility for one’s own health. In addressing your illness or efforts to optimize wellness, the naturopathic care team might prescribe vitamin/mineral supplements, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, provide physical medicine and hydrotherapy treatments or recommend changes in diet, lifestyle and exercise.
Naturopathic physicians practice the six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine:
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Nature)
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent ability in the body which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery and to facilitate and augment this healing ability.
Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient:
• Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
• Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms.
• Acknowledge and respect the individual’s healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path.
Prevention
Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, no matter what disease(s) is/are being experienced. If wellness is really recognized and experienced by an individual, it will more quickly heal a given disease than direct treatment of the disease alone. (This principle was adopted by Bastyr University and added to the six principles.)
FOR MORE INFOMATION:
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC)
http://www.aanmc.org/index.php
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
http://www.naturopathic.org/index.php
bastyrcenter.org
http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/category/4/142/155/
Accredited Naturopathic Schools:
Bastyr University
Kenmore, Wash.
Bastyr University offers a rigorous, naturopathic medical program emphasizing both the science base of medicine and its clinical application. Comprehensive clinical training at their newly renovated clinic prepares graduates to thrive as holistic physicians. Shifts at multiple external sites offer students exposure to diverse populations and a wide spectrum of health issues. The Bastyr campus is located just north of Seattle, Washington. Learn more.
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM)
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
BINM offers Western Canada’s first four year full-time diploma of Doctor in Naturopathic Medicine. BINM offers small class sizes, an extraordinary faculty, and is located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. BINM students are eligible to sit for the NPLEX examinations for licensing as Naturopathic Physicians. Learn more.
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Established in 1978, CCNM offers an accredited four-year, full-time professional program in naturopathic medicine. CCNM is committed to being the profession's college in Canada, producing excellence in naturopathic medical education, clinical practice and research. Learn more.
National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM)
Portland, Ore.
Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, NCNM provides and fosters a challenging, eclectic, and rigorous academic experience. NCNM does not just teach medicine; they teach a philosophy of living that leads to radiant health, and they show students how to convey this wonderful gift to their patients. Learn more.
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM)
Tempe, Ariz.
Located in sunny Arizona, SCNM prepares students to become naturopathic physicians trained and educated in the principles of naturopathic medicine. The college promotes learning through educational innovation, medical integration, and research and clinical collaboration. Their faculty's commitment to the art and science of healing has made SCNM a leader among the naturopathic medical schools. Learn more.
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (UBCNM)
Bridgeport. Conn.
The College's mission is to provide appropriate educational experiences to prepare candidates to become doctors of naturopathic medicine. The College seeks: to teach and search for new knowledge; to educate men and women of personal integrity and social conscience; and to maintain close relationships among faculty, students and community professionals. Learn more.
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS DEFINED
A question I'm often asked by readers is why I interview naturopathic physicians (NDs) for articles instead of "real doctors." The short answer is because they have the specialized training to know about things like herbal remedies and nutritional supplementation. But the issue is more complicated. What is clear to me is that there is much confusion about exactly what a naturopathic physician is... what his/her education is... and what role he/she could or should play in the individual's health-care team. To get clarification on the ND's role and practice, I spoke with Jane Guiltinan, ND, president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
A NATUROPATH'S EDUCATION
In North America, there are five naturopathic medicine programs currently accredited by The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), and one naturopathic program that is a candidate for accreditation by the CNME. Candidates for admission must earn a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) prior to admission, including standard pre-med training. The ND degree is a doctoral degree and typically takes four years to complete, just like an MD.
There are many similarities between the naturopathic and conventional medical school curriculum. The first two years of both curriculums involve basic science courses -- anatomy, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, and other Western medical sciences. In addition, naturopathic philosophy courses expose students to the concepts and principles and practices of natural medicine, said Dr. Guiltinan. These include nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, acupuncture and a variety of mind-body approaches.
During the third and fourth years, there's a mix of classroom courses such as gynecology, pediatrics and rheumatology, plus approximately 1,200 hours of clinical training under the supervision of licensed naturopathic physicians. In this phase of training, naturopathy students observe and help manage patients in an outpatient setting.
THE NATUROPATH'S ROLE
Think of the ND as the equivalent of a family practice physician, said Dr. Guiltinan. Naturopaths provide excellent primary health care for individuals and families. Like the conventional general practitioner with an MD, an ND will assess your health and direct your treatment, either by treating you directly or by referral to other mainstream or natural care specialists such as chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists or specialists in homeopathy, to name a few.
In Dr. Guiltinan's view, conventional physicians and naturopaths are most effective at different points in the spectrum of the health-care system. "At one end of the spectrum is crisis medicine," she says "and it's here where I think conventional medicine is excellent. Emergency care intervention, trauma care, serious infections -- this is where conventional medicine excels."
"Where I think conventional medicine has not done its most effective work is in chronic disease management and in conditions that don't really fit into a clear medical box -- chronic fatigue syndrome, for example, fibromyalgia or depression. With these types of conditions, the conventional, technological or pharmaceutical approach is not always effective as it focuses on symptom suppression, rather than the naturopathic process of finding the underlying causes and addressing these to support healing and the creation of health and wellness. This is where naturopathic physicians can play an important role."
THE ND OFFICE VISIT: WHAT TO EXPECT
What is different about a visit to an ND? At your initial visit you'll be asked about your health history and receive a physical exam that is similar to the physical at a conventional medical office. And like a conventional MD, an ND may order lab tests or diagnostic imaging tests. So, what's different?
"You'll find much more in-depth questioning about your current lifestyle," said Dr. Guiltinan. Naturopaths ask about your diet -- at minimum they will ask you to describe it but more likely you'll be asked to complete a diet diary, detailing your food intake for a week or so. We're also very interested in finding out if you exercise or not, and what your mental and emotional state is.
PHILOSOPHY AND TREATMENT
Dr. Guiltinan said that extensive questioning is necessary to get to the underlying issues around a health problem and address them, rather than just addressing the presenting symptoms of a problem.
Because naturopaths believe that the human body has an incredibly powerful ability to heal itself if given the chance, she said, one principle is to take a look at what the "obstacles to cure" are in an individual patients' life. What are obstacles to cure?
Well, sometimes its genetics, which we can do little about, she said, but some obstacles can be removed (for example, eating poorly, being too stressed out with work, exposure to environmental toxins, lack of exercise). If you can add support in the form of a good diet, proper exercise and stress reduction to promote the healing responses of the body, then you can further capitalize on the body's ability to heal.
In naturopathic medicine, most treatment plans, regardless of the condition, begin with diet modifications. The famous quote from Hippocrates, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" is a basic tenet of naturopathic treatment. In addition, supplements (vitamins and minerals) may be prescribed. In some cases, NDs will do the nutritional counseling themselves... in other instances that require more sophisticated or specialized care, patients may be referred on to a nutrition specialist.
Other common treatment modalities are homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical medicine and acupuncture and mind/body therapies. Again, depending on the patient's needs, the ND may provide treatment himself or refer the patient on to a specialist. NDs also offer psychological counseling. In this area, Dr. Guiltinan said a big part of her naturopathic practice is preparing patients to make the little and big lifestyle changes that will impact their health. In naturopathic medicine, the patient's participation in his/her own health care is crucial.
HOW CAN I FIND A NATUROPATH IN MY AREA?
To find a qualified, licensed ND in your area, visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Web site, naturopathic.org and click "Find a doctor."
So, to all my readers who wonder "why don't I interview 'real doctors'" ... I do. As always, we interview the most knowledgeable experts on a given topic. In many cases, those are naturopathic physician
http://www.naturopathic.org
Naturopathic Medicine: How It Works
The past 30 years has seen an extraordinary increase in consumer demand for safe, effective and cost-effective natural healthcare. Naturopathic medicine has emerged as the health care profession best suited to meet this demand. Although it almost disappeared in the mid-twentieth century because of the popularity of drugs and surgery, naturopathic medicine now offers safe, effective natural therapies as a vital part of the health care systems of North America the twenty-first century.
Naturopathic physicians are trained in the art and science of natural healthcare at accredited medical colleges. Integrative partnerships between conventional medical doctors and licensed NDs are becoming more available. This cooperation makes more effective therapies available to consumers. It increases patient satisfaction in their relationships with their care providers. More people are recovering their health by adding naturopathic medicine to their health care options.
Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine that assists in the restoration of health by following a set of specific rules. A basic assumption is that nature is orderly, and this orderliness is designed to result in ongoing life and well being. This dependable orderliness is believed to be guided by a kind of inner wisdom that everyone has. This inner wisdom can be assisted to return a person to their best balance by naturopathic treatments.
The Rules That Guide Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic physicians are guided in their treatment decisions by the idea that it is the nature of all things to return to balance; it is the nature of organisms- plants, animals, people- to heal. The naturopathic physician understands illness as a series of events that can be changed, or redirected toward order and balance, with help.
There are not many words in Western medicine for the inner wisdom that guides internal physical processes that lead to health or disease. Naturopathic medicine calls this inner wisdom the healing power of nature, or, in Latin, the vis medicatrix naturae. Naturopathic physicians understand that any treatments used should not further damage the ill person, whenever possible. This is expressed as primum non nocere, or the promise to first try the treatments that will mostly help and which do the least harm. When confronted with illness, the naturopathic physician looks for what in the patient’s life is most out of balance. The ND will work with a person to figure out the underlying cause of the problem. In order to remove the cause of the illness (tolle causum), the naturopathic physician must treat the whole person. To help a person be rid of the insults and stresses that are harmful, the doctor becomes a teacher (docere), giving the patient the information she needs to be a partner in her recovery through sensible self-care. Working in a partnership with a naturopathic physician helps each patient to learn new behaviors and effective solutions for their future, when efforts at prevention can be the focus of their doctor–patient relationship.
What A Visit With a Naturopathic Physician Is Like
In many ways a visit with a naturopathic physician will be a familiar experience. NDs use all the same sorts of interview questions, physical examinations, blood tests and imaging technologies like ultrasound and CT scans, that other doctors use to arrive at a diagnosis. Naturopathic physicians treat people in what are called “first contact” settings, meaning their office or a clinic, rather than in a hospital. NDs refer patients with serious acute illness or emergencies to conventional medical doctors when appropriate or necessary. Where the experience will be different is in the types if treatments the ND offers, as well as in the type of relationship the naturopathic doctor and the patient will have. Typically visits with a ND are much longer than those with a MD; the patient does a lot of talking, the naturopathic physician listens. The patient will be asked to be a very active and responsible participant in their treatment plan.
A naturopathic physician will be working to create an in-depth understanding of each patient’s condition, as well as to effectively communicate important information to other healthcare providers participating in the patient’s care. Essential to such a comprehensive evaluation is the in-depth first visit, which will usually last 60 to 90 minutes. Follow-up visits are usually 30-45 minutes long. A standard review of medical history and the story of the current illness will be recorded. Patients are often asked to provide reports of daily activities, such as dietary habits, physical activity, and psychological issues. NDs perform physical examinations as needed for the patient’s presenting concern and this is followed by any indicated laboratory or diagnostic imaging tests.
Treatments used in naturopathic practice include clinical nutrition and dietary changes, counseling for lifestyle modification, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, and nutritional supplements. Depending on local licensure statutes, naturopathic physicians may be fully recognized as primary healthcare providers. Some NDs provide or will refer for treatments such as acupuncture or bone and joint manipulation. Some have special licenses to provide services for natural childbirth at home or in birthing centers. Depending on what state they are practicing in, some NDs will use prescription-only items, including natural hormones, amino acids and certain drugs to help patients.
NDs are trained to recognize serious and life-threatening situations and to identify conditions outside of the scope of their professional definition or legal limitations. NDs work with conventionally trained primary care physicians, internists, and specialists in co-managing patients, participating in decisions regarding referral for evaluation and treatment by medical doctors and other sorts of health care practitioners as well. Gathering and sharing important information with other healthcare providers for the good of the patient is a central feature of naturopathic medical practice.
OVERVIEW
The scope of practice for naturopathic medicine includes all aspects of preventative and natural health for your family, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Naturopathic doctors can help patients with ailments such as colds and flus, injuries and sleep disorders, as well as with more chronic health concerns such as arthritis and chronic pain, allergies and asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, depression, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, HIV/AIDS, adjunctive care for cancer and much more.
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention of disease, encouragement of the body’s inherent healing abilities, treatment of the whole person and personal responsibility for one’s own health. In addressing your illness or efforts to optimize wellness, the naturopathic care team might prescribe vitamin/mineral supplements, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, provide physical medicine and hydrotherapy treatments or recommend changes in diet, lifestyle and exercise.
Naturopathic physicians practice the six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine:
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Nature)
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent ability in the body which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery and to facilitate and augment this healing ability.
Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient:
• Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
• Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms.
• Acknowledge and respect the individual’s healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path.
Prevention
Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, no matter what disease(s) is/are being experienced. If wellness is really recognized and experienced by an individual, it will more quickly heal a given disease than direct treatment of the disease alone. (This principle was adopted by Bastyr University and added to the six principles.)
FOR MORE INFOMATION:
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC)
http://www.aanmc.org/index.php
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
http://www.naturopathic.org/index.php
bastyrcenter.org
http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/category/4/142/155/
Accredited Naturopathic Schools:
Bastyr University
Kenmore, Wash.
Bastyr University offers a rigorous, naturopathic medical program emphasizing both the science base of medicine and its clinical application. Comprehensive clinical training at their newly renovated clinic prepares graduates to thrive as holistic physicians. Shifts at multiple external sites offer students exposure to diverse populations and a wide spectrum of health issues. The Bastyr campus is located just north of Seattle, Washington. Learn more.
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM)
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
BINM offers Western Canada’s first four year full-time diploma of Doctor in Naturopathic Medicine. BINM offers small class sizes, an extraordinary faculty, and is located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. BINM students are eligible to sit for the NPLEX examinations for licensing as Naturopathic Physicians. Learn more.
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Established in 1978, CCNM offers an accredited four-year, full-time professional program in naturopathic medicine. CCNM is committed to being the profession's college in Canada, producing excellence in naturopathic medical education, clinical practice and research. Learn more.
National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM)
Portland, Ore.
Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, NCNM provides and fosters a challenging, eclectic, and rigorous academic experience. NCNM does not just teach medicine; they teach a philosophy of living that leads to radiant health, and they show students how to convey this wonderful gift to their patients. Learn more.
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM)
Tempe, Ariz.
Located in sunny Arizona, SCNM prepares students to become naturopathic physicians trained and educated in the principles of naturopathic medicine. The college promotes learning through educational innovation, medical integration, and research and clinical collaboration. Their faculty's commitment to the art and science of healing has made SCNM a leader among the naturopathic medical schools. Learn more.
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (UBCNM)
Bridgeport. Conn.
The College's mission is to provide appropriate educational experiences to prepare candidates to become doctors of naturopathic medicine. The College seeks: to teach and search for new knowledge; to educate men and women of personal integrity and social conscience; and to maintain close relationships among faculty, students and community professionals. Learn more.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Josh Chase on -
I was thinking of starting my education with SNH for their MH program and then, if I can, transfer it to the a naturopathic school. I didn't know SNH offers OCM degrees, I don't even know what that is. Maybe you can fill me in.
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Permalink Reply by Josh Chase on
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Since you mentioned OCM I looked into it. It is very interesting do you know anything about CMD degrees (Chinese Medical Doctor). I wonder if you can get that degree in America and if not can you get it another country, but if you do that you probably can't practice here, I don't know.
Here is where I got the info:
http://www.americanchinesemedicineassociation.org/about_doctor_of_c...(cmd)_education.htm
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Permalink Reply by NieeMA on
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Good Health to you today
Thank you for that great article. Is is ok if I share it with others not on the group...it is so, so...complete!
NieeMA
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Permalink Reply by Josh Chase on
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Of course, you bet, share it with everyone you can!
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Permalink Reply by Judy-Ju on -
WOW. You did a lot of work. I appreciate the knowledge. I see all kinds of titles and professional designations that I need to look up. Seeing a "doctor" or physician with a bunch of letters doesn't impress me 'cause I don't know what they mean. When I look them up I'll post them.
My insurance at work covers Acupuncture, Chiropractor, Mental Health to include substance abuse (called Behavioral Health Benefit).
Thanks again.
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Permalink Reply by Josh Chase on
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Ya, Thanks Judy that would be very helpful.
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Permalink Reply by SithSlayer on
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Josh, a couple of things I'd like to point out.
First, thanx for compiling all of that info. I'm sure it will be useful for folks who are new to this arena.
Second, regarding the actual content: If you're going to liberally cut & paste information such as this, please be certain to credit your original sources in some fashion. You did so for Naturopathic.org, AANMC, AANP, and the five Federally accredited ND programs in North America.
However, you failed to cite your source for the interview with Jane Guiltinan, ND, which originally appeared in Bottom Line's Daily Health News. At the best this is bad form, at worst it's abject plagiarism (which I'm certain was never your intent). Just a heads up for all of us, as we reference other people's work on this site.
Thirdly, and in my mind perhaps most importantly the information that you provided focused primarily, if not almost exclusively on the realm of the "Licensed" Naturopathic Physician. What was not discussed at all is that there are several programs available (a few of which are quite noteworthy, as well as some that are unfortunately dubious) that do not ascribe themselves to the "Establishment's" model of "Accreditation" and "Licensure".
I am referring to those programs that are not recognized by Federal Accreditation Agencies or Licensing Boards. Such programs are "accredited" by independent, non-Federal organizations and as such, are ineligible for Licensure. They do however, require Board Certification.
So, ultimately what we have is a system of two-standards in place. One, Federally "recognized" and eligible for Licensure, and the other that does not meet the necessary Federal guidelines, thus qualifying for neither "Accreditation" nor Licensure.
Currently, 14 states, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and the Virgin Islands license naturopathic doctors.
There are pro's and cons to both sides of the argument of Licensing vs. Certification. The American Naturopathic Medical Association (ANMA) compares the two systems with a noted bias towards Certification.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what do you want to be able to do with your Degree/License/Certification? If you want to act in the capacity of a Primary Care Physician with the ability to perform minimally invasive procedures and prescribe limited "medications" then one of the Federally accredited programs that Josh so neatly outlined will be the path for you.
If on the other hand, you don't want to manage your own medical "Practice" but instead want to act in the role of a Consultant, perhaps partnering with other like-minded Alternative Practitioners (obviously, this can be done with licensing too), then this could be accomplished by pursuing a program eligible for "Certification" (but again, NOT licensing).
Or maybe, you just want to host seminars, lectures, write books, etc. In that case, either licensing or certification will provide you with the knowledge base and "credentials" with which to do so.
Now, this can easily open up into a debate of License-eligible schools providing "better" education than those that are non-Federally accredited, etc. But I've always believed that ANY student gets out of their education what their willing to put into it. I've known some darn good ND's to come out of both the "Accredited" Institutions AND those programs that are not Federally accredited. On the other hand, I've also known a few ND's (again from both camps) that offer (in my opinion) diagnoses and advice that is both irresponsible and in some cases unethical. Regardless of licensing or certification, there will unfortunately always be those people that have only their own interests at heart, and the patient/client be damned...
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Permalink Reply by Josh Chase on
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Thanks Sith, very good comments. I will have to look into accredited ND schools and non accredited schools and figure out some of the pros and cons.
Thanks also for the Bottom Line's Health link. I came across that article in an email. when I come across good info I usually will save it to my computer. When I was make this discussion I pulled all article I had saved on ND schooling, and I couldn’t remember where I got them all from. The only reason why I posted the links that I did is because they have more info about ND schooling and career info.
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Permalink Reply by Josh Chase on
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You’re Welcome!!! I thought the best way to promote and expand the alternative health world would be to influence people to look into schooling and choose a career in these fields.
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