What is Naturopathic Medicine?

What Types of Treatment Does a Naturopath Offer?

Naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care. A Naturopathic Physician (ND) is a primary care general practioner trained as an expert in natural medicine. Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness. The medicine is tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient's condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropiate. The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. IDENTIFY AND TREAT THE CAUSES Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process, rather than to merely suppress symptoms. FIRST DO NO HARM Naturopathic physicians follow three precepts to avoid harming the patient: Utilize methods and medical substances which minimize risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary. Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms. Acknowledge, respect, and work with the individual's self- healing process. DOCTOR AS TEACHER Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship. TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, enviromental, social, and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development. PREVENTION Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease, assessing risk factors, heredity, susceptibility to disease, and making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.

Clinical Nutrition is a cornerstone of naturopathic medicine. It refers to both the practice of using food to maintain health and the therapeutic use of food to treat illness. Homeopathy is a powerful system of medicine that is more than 200 years old. This medical system uses highly diluted substances to cure illness. Homeopathic remedies act to enhance the body's innate immune response and rarely have side effects. Some conditions that do not respond well to conventional medicine will respond to homeopathic therapies. Botanical Medicine is the use of plants as medicine. Many plant substances are powerful medicines that are safe and effective when used properly. A resurgence of scientific research in Europe and Asia is demonstrating that some plant substances are superior to synthetic drugs in clinical conditions. Oriental Medicine includes acupuncture, acupressure, and oriental botanical medicine to treat disease. Counseling and Stress Management Mental attitudes and emotional states are important elements in healing illness. Naturopathic physician's training includes counseling, nutritional balancing, stress management, lifestyle change, and other methods.