|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Finding
a Naturopathic Physician |
|
|
|
 |
|
Naturopathic
Medicine is a unique and distinct system of health
care that emphasizes the use of prevention and natural
therapeutics. The doctors who practice naturopathic medicine,
called naturopathic physicians (NDs), are trained to serve
as primary care general practitioners who are experts
in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment
of both acute and chronic health conditions. |
|
|
| Naturopathic
physicians are trained at accredited, four-year, post-graduate,
residential naturopathic medical programs. The training consists
of comprehensive study of the conventional medical sciences,
including anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology,
clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, cardiology,
gastroenterology, gynecology, etc, as well as detailed study
of a wide variety of natural therapies. |
|
| Naturopathic
physicians are guided by six principles: First, Do No
Harm; The Healing Power of Nature; Find the Cause; Treat the
Whole Person; Preventive Medicine; and, Doctor as Teacher. This
set of principles, emphasized throughout a naturopathic physician's
training, outlines the philosophy guiding the naturopathic approach
to health and healing and forms the foundation of this distinct
health care practice. |
|
| Naturopathic
physicians use a variety of natural and non-invasive therapies,
including clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine,
hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and counseling. Many naturopathic
physicians have additional training and certification in acupuncture
and natural child birth. Naturopathic treatments are effective
in treating a wide variety of conditions without the need for
additional intervention. Naturopathic physicians are also able
to function within an integrated framework, and naturopathic
therapies can be used to complement treatments used by conventionally
trained medical doctors. The result is a patient-centered approach
that strives to provide the most appropriate treatment for an
individual's needs. |
|
| In
the United States, the naturopathic medical profession's infrastructure
includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing,
national standards of practice, peer review, and a commitment
to state-of-the-art scientific research. |
|
| Naturopathic
medicine in the United States came into existence just over
100 years ago, developed by a man named Benedict Lust
in New York state. While the profession by name is just a century
old, the natural therapies and philosophy on which naturopathic
medicine are based have been effectively used to treat diseases
since ancient times. The use of herbal remedies, dietary interventions,
hydrotherapy, and lifestyle changes have been used throughout
history and in nearly every culture to inhabit the Earth. Hippocrates,
a Greek physician who lived 2400 years ago, first formulated
the concept of vis medicatrix naturae -- "the healing power
of nature". This concept has long been at the core of medicine
in many cultures around the world and remains one of the central
themes of naturopathic philosophy today. |
|
| Naturopathic
medicine was popular and widely available throughout
the United States well into the early part of the 20th century.
In 1920, there were many naturopathic medical schools, thousands
of naturopathic physicians, and scores of thousands of patients
using naturopathic therapies around the country. But by mid-century
the rise of "technological medicine" and the discovery and increased
use of "miracle drugs" like antibiotics were associated with
the temporary decline of naturopathic medicine and most other
methods of natural healing. |
|
| By
the 1970's, however, the American public was becoming increasingly
disenchanted with what had become "conventional medicine." The
profound clinical limitations and its out-of-control costs were
becoming obvious, and millions of Americans were inspired to
look for options and alternatives. Naturopathy, and all of complementary
and alternative medicine, began to enter an era of rejuvenation. |
|
| Today,
more people than ever are seeking naturopathic medical care
and naturopathic medical schools are growing at record rates
to accomodate the increased demand for naturopathic education.
Presently, there are three accredited four-year naturopathic
medical programs in the United States, and one program in
Canada which is a candidate for accreditation. Naturopathic
medicine has an independent accrediting agency, the Council
on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which is the recognized
authority for establishing and maintaining the educational standards
for profession. A nationally standardized licensing exam (NPLEX)
has been established, which is used in nearly all of the states
which currently license NDs. Currently, eleven states license
NDs (as does Puerto Rico and four Canadian provinces). In these
states, NDs practice as independent primary care general practitioners,
with the ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform
physical exams, and order laboratory testing. In these states,
many health care consumers specifically choose NDs as their
primary care providers. |
|
| The
national organization representing naturopathic physicians,
the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP),
is the driving force for the development of the profession.
The AANP is instrumental in the development of the professional's
educational and practice standards, and to expanding awareness
of the vital role naturopathic medicine has to play in the future
of the health care system in the United States. |
|
| Today,
naturopathic physicians are experiencing greater recognition
as health care practitioners who are experts in the field of
natural and preventive medicine, providing leadership
in natural medical research, enjoying increasing political influence,
and looking forward to an unlimited future potential. Both the
American public and policy makers are recognizing and contributing
to the resurgence of the comprehensive system of health care
practiced by NDs. |
|
| The
1990's has been a decade of great achievement for the naturopathic
profession: several states received licensure, enrollment
in naturopathic medical programs more than doubled, two new
naturopathic medical programs were started, the first publicly
funded natural health care clinic was initiated, a naturopathic
institution was designated as a NIH Office of Alternative Medicine
research center, and two naturopathic physicians were appointed
by the federal Secretary of the Department of Health and Human
Services to the NIH's Alternative Medicine Program Advisory
Council (AMPAC). |
|
| In
the twenty-first century, the naturopathic profession finds
itself well positioned for a new era in health care. With more
and more research supporting the therapies used by naturopathic
physicians, and the public demand for greater choice and increased
access to more natural approaches to their health care, naturopathic
medicine is poised to make the transition from "alternative"
medicine to truly "mainstream" medicine. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| According
to The Council on Naturopathic Registration and Accreditation,
Inc. naturopathic doctors are trained specialists in a separate
and distinct healing art which uses non-invasive natural medicine.
They are not orthodox medical doctors (M.D.s). Naturopathic
doctors (N.D.s) are conventionally trained in subjects such
as anatomy, physiology, counseling, dietary evaluations, nutrition,
herbology, acupressure, muscle relaxation and structural normalization,
homeopathy, iridology, exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, oxygen
therapy and thermal therapy. Some practitioners are also trained
in additional specialties such as acupuncture or natural childbirth.Naturopathic
doctors tailor the healing modality to the needs of the individual
with methods which are effective for both chronic and acute
problems. Naturopathic doctors cooperate with all branches of
medical science, referring individuals to other practitioners
for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.In practice, naturopathic
doctors perform lifestyle analysis, laboratory testing, nutritional
and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis and other evaluative
procedures. They are trained to use a wide variety of natural
methods which involve the individual in the healing process.
Naturopathy is based upon a belief in the body's innate God-given
natural ability to heal itself when given an appropriate internal
and external healing environment. Naturopaths are not involved
in the practice of medicine and do not use drugs or pharmaceuticals,
nor do they perform abortions or surgery (other than minor first
aid). They have traditionally been referred to as "drugless
doctors." In reality, naturopathy deals with wellness and relief
from conditions which are the result of stress whether from
mental, nutritional, environmental or physical factors.Naturopathic
doctors (N.D.s) have participated in a specialized course of
study and received degrees in naturopathy. Some states license
naturopaths and regulate the profession. In those states, the
naturopaths must also have passed a national or state board
examination and their practice is subject to review by a State
Board of Examiners. Several naturopathic, professional organizations
also require the candidate to pass a proficiency test in naturopathy
in order to join their organization. |
|
| Naturopathy:
A brief history |
|
| Dr.
Benedict Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in
New York City and graduated its first class in 1902. A number
of other schools were organized and by the 1930's there were
more than twenty naturopathic colleges and over 10,000 practitioners.
The allopathic medical schools which had the backing of the
pharmaceutical industry flourished with large endowments and
the political clout which comes with wealth. Due to lack of
funding, naturopathic education began to decline and only recently
has the disenchantment with pharmaceutically trained doctors
led people to once again begin exploring and embracing natural,
God-given, simple, effective remedies found in naturopathy.
The Naturopathic Philosophy advocates a number of principles:Naturopathy
promotes health through education and non-invasive natural agents. |
|
|
|
|
1. Do no harm Primum non nocere is taken
from the Hippocratic Oath. Certainly anybody who
is sick does not need any therapy or treatment which
can harm him/her. Since prescription medication
has such a potential to make a well man sick, many
wonder how it can be expected to make a sick man
well. Traditional naturopathy embraces only therapies
or procedures which are designed to enhance healing
and produce wellness. |
|
|
2. Recognize the healing power of nature
Vis medicatrix naturae. The human body is created
with the capacity to heal itself and to maintain
homeostasis. There is a healing power in nature
and this principal is the basis for all of naturopathy.
Naturopathy is a system designed to work in harmony
with nature in the restoration and support for the
inherent natural healing systems of the body. |
|
| 3.
Identify the cause |
| Tolle causam. In allopathic medicine
the name of the disease is actually the name of
the symptom in Greek. For example, the term "arthritis"
is made up of two Greek roots "arthro" which means
having to do with the joint and "itis" meaning pain
or inflammation. Allopathic doctors seek to treat
the joint pain by reducing the joint pain. This
can be done with the use of pain killers, nerve
blockers or any number of procedures. Naturopaths
are committed to removing the joint pain by finding
and removing the cause. Perhaps this may prove to
be a calcium and/or mineral deficiency caused by
either a primary or secondary nutritional deficiency.
Or perhaps the cause could be from an injury or
possibly from an over acid condition in the body.
For naturopaths, the correction of the cause is
the most plausible way of eliminating the symptoms
and restoring health to the person. |
|
| 4.
Involve the total person |
| Naturopathic doctors are aware that
a person can have a physical, spiritual or emotional
illness. The chosen therapy is determined by what
kind of problem the person is experiencing. You
can not be well or healthy if you have a spiritual
or mental problem even if you appear perfectly fit.
Naturopaths use various counseling, stress management
and bio-feedback techniques for those experiencing
emotional or spiritual problems. Most naturopathic
practitioners are capable of also using Biblical
counseling as restorative therapy. Reading the writings
of the fathers of naturopathy, you will find they
were Godly people who recognized the Creator and
gave Him the honor for all healing. |
|
| 5.
Teach rather than treat |
| Naturopathic
philosophy places the responsibility for wellness
with the individual. Man is the steward of his body
and the doctor is the teacher or advisor to the
individual on how to maintain health. One recognizes
that a headache is not an aspirin deficiency but
rather the result of some imbalance within the body.
Some principle of health has been violated and the
body is responding with pain. Naturopaths should
evaluate the connotation and advise or teach their
clients what lifestyle, nutritional, emotional or
dietary changes should be made to alleviate the
condition. The condition is alleviated by the clients
making those changes and not by some outside agency. |
|
| 6.
Identify the source |
| Man
is fearfully and wonderfully made. Other than in
trauma-type injuries, seldom does the body have
isolated mono-factoral conditions but rather experiences
"dis-ease" as a consequence of a number of health
debilitating events. Germs are considered the culprit
for many conditions found by allopathic physicians.
Naturopaths understand germs are a normal part of
the economy of the earth and that they are put here
by the Creator to destroy sick, weakened and devitilized
tissues. Thus, germs are attracted to the depleted
tissues in the body. In order to reverse the disease
process, the body needs to have its tissues revitalized.
This explains why when two people are exposed to
the same germs only one person gets sick (the person
with the devitalized tissues). |
|
| 7.
Prevent disease |
|
|
It is admirable that there is an effective system
based on natural restorative methods. However, it
is preferable for the body not to experience imbalances
and their resulting consequences. Naturopaths are
prepared to advise clients on simple disease prevention
principles which are designed to produce health
and avoid the destructive consequences which occur
as the result of violating those principles. |
|
|
|
| What
to expect |
|
| When
you consult a naturopathic doctor for counsel, you will
find a person committed to the holistic approach to health.
The doctor will gather a medical history, inquire about your
diet, discuss any stress you are experiencing, give various
non-invasive tests designed to evaluate body conditions and
advise you concerning your condition.You will experience techniques
which are consistent with traditional naturopathy and its philosophy.
These will enable your body to correct problems now and prevent
them from occurring in the future.To be sure of the training
of your naturopathic doctor and his/her adherence to natural
healing principles, ask your doctor if he/she is a "Registered
Naturopathic Doctor."In a society focused on an allopathic mindset,
naturopaths can provide people with more options in the treatment
of disease and pain. These options, along with being non-invasive,
are all natural and, in actuality, are more historical methods
in the pursuit of good health. |
|
| Credit
for this info goes to: |
|
 |
|
The
Council on Naturopathic Registration and Accredidation,
Inc. was created as a nonprofit organization for
the purpose of promoting traditional naturopathic techniques,
recognizing trained and degreed practioners, as well as
certifying to the public the credentials of naturopathic
doctors. Suite 1600, 3509 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington,
DC 20008-2402 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Relief
is Well-in-Hand! |
|
|
|
