The treatment of disease is not nearly as important to long-term health and recovery as determining the true cause(s) of disease
- Iva Lloyd
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine combines current advances in health with natural, non-invasive methods of healing. The philosophical premise of naturopathic medicine is that true healing occurs as a result of the body’s own inherent healing forces. Disease occurs as a result of imbalance in the mind, body or spirit. A naturopathic doctor works with the whole body, supporting each organ system, knowing that the body can heal itself if given the opportunity. Thus, the naturopathic physician seeks the underlying cause of the dysfunction rather than focusing solely on alleviating physical symptoms.
What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
A licensed naturopathic doctor (N.D.) attends a four-year graduate level medical school and follows a science curriculum similar to that of an M.D. but focuses on natural, non-toxic therapies rather than pharmaceutical medicine. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling. Naturopathic physicians attempt to find the underlying cause(s) of the patient's condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. A Naturopathic Doctor that has attended one of these schools has undergone four years of post graduate training at an accredited Naturopathic medical school and has been supervised under a licensed Naturopathic Doctor:
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
National University of Natural Medicine
University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine
Currently, only the following states have licensing laws for Naturopathic Doctors (ND). In these states ND’s are required to graduate from an accredited four-year Naturopathic medical school and pass board exams in order to receive a license. These states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
What can a Naturopathic Doctor Treat?
Naturopathic medicine is effective in treating most health issues, both acute and chronic. Working with a naturopathic doctor can not only help your current physical condition but also improve your overall health, energy and well-being at the same time. Many of the chronic conditions people struggle with can actually be cured if the person is willing to make some dietary or lifestyle changes, along with following a natural treatment plan.