Naturopathic medicine is the practice of promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health and wellbeing through natural means. Naturopathic Schools offer a variety of courses that can culminate in college degrees ranging from Associate all the way to Doctorate.
Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine focus on natural ways of preventing illness and correcting ailments by treating the entire person – body, mind, and spirit. Fundamental principles or tenets of naturopathic medicine include the healing power of nature, identifying and treating the causes of illness and disease, do no harm, treating the whole person, considering the physician as teacher, and prevention.
A Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND, MND) is a medical doctor who has obtained his or her education from a four-year graduate level program in an accredited naturopathic medical health institution. The first two years of naturopathic education are spent very much the same as traditional medical doctors, i.e., in studying the basic clinical sciences of anatomy, human physiology, human pathology, biochemistry, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, etc., and laboratory courses that cover cadaver dissection, physical examinations, palpation, and manipulation. Naturopathic medicine, however, also instructs in Oriental medicine, such as hydrotherapy, microbiology, acupuncture, and herbal medicines.
Future Naturopathic Physicians complete their training as interns in two years of clinical practice under the supervision of licensed professionals, which may include the supervision of an allopathic Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (OD). Clinical rotations in hospitals provide extensive experience in responsibilities of diagnosis and treatment.
In practice, Naturopathic Physicians apply therapies that meet individual patient needs, taking into consideration physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the patient. Naturopathy is a complementary medicine, which is practiced in cooperation with traditional Western medical professionals. Therefore, NDs refer their patients to allopathic medical doctors, surgeons, and medical specialists as needed.
Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care physicians in clinical and laboratory diagnosis, nutrition, naturopathic physical medicine, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, mind/body medicine, minor surgery, IV therapy, and in counseling and stress management. They are specialists in preventative medicine and natural therapeutics, and aid their patients in taking on the responsibility of looking after their own health by encouraging active participation in their own treatment and healthcare.
Laws regarding naturopathic licensing vary from one state or province to the next, some having none. However, the North American Board of Naturopathic Medical Examiners (NABNE) administers examinations for licensure that is recognized by most jurisdictions. Licensure for naturopathic physicians is earned by passing national and state/province board examinations, after graduation from a four-year accredited naturopathic medical school graduate degree program.
Naturopathic physicians are trained to be knowledgeable in diagnosis and treatment, and in determining and promoting overall health. They are interested in their patients as whole beings and in promoting health and wellness by the most natural means possible. However, naturopathic physicians practice complementary medicine and refer their patients to allopathic specialists when conditions are beyond the means of natural, non-invasive medicine. NDs do not perform invasive surgery, perform X-rays, prescribe medications, or practice techniques of MDs or ODs.
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By: Michael Bustamante
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