History and Philosophy
The philosophy and the therapies of Naturopathic medicine have their origins in
Hippocrates, the vitalistic school of medicine of Ancient Greece (circa 400 BC), and the traditional and indigenous medicines of the world. Today the naturopathic medical system uses the best of modern medicine and scientific research, while still honoring the wisdom of time-tested methods of health management.
Naturopathic medicine is refreshing different from mainstream medicine. Beyond simply treating symptoms, the goal of treatment is to get to the root disturbance in the body, examine and treat each individual on all levels of being (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and ultimately prevent chronic health issues from developing.
The philosophy of the naturopathic medical system is founded on six prinicples:
Naturopathic medicine is refreshing different from mainstream medicine. Beyond simply treating symptoms, the goal of treatment is to get to the root disturbance in the body, examine and treat each individual on all levels of being (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and ultimately prevent chronic health issues from developing.
The philosophy of the naturopathic medical system is founded on six prinicples:
- Vis Medicatrix Naturae: Belief in the Healing Power of Nature and our innate healing potential.
- Primum non nocere: First, do no harm. Provide the most effective healthcare with the least invasive, non-toxic methods possible.
- Tolle causum: Treat the cause. Identify and remove causes of illness, or obstacles to cure, rather than suppress symptoms.
- Tolle totum: Treat the whole person. Consider all individual factors and influences affecting total well-being.
- Docere: Doctor as teacher. Educate, inspire and encourage self-responsibility for health.
- Praevenire: Prevention is the best cure.
The Naturopathic Doctor
Treat the Root Cause
Naturopathic medicine is as much a philosophy of life as it is a science. Naturopaths believe that nature heals by the response of the life force (vis medicatrix naturae) if we can identify and remove the obstacles to health or recovery. They use the least invasive, most physiologically supportive methods possible.
Naturopaths are uniquely trained to specialize in natural medicine. They are educated in conventional and non-conventional methods of treatment and prefer to treat disease and restore health using therapies from the sciences of clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, exercise and physical therapies, counseling and hydrotherapy.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) perform physical examinations along with nutritional and dietary assessments. NDs spend time listening deeply to each patient and create unique therapeutic doctor-patient relationships. Naturopaths are teachers and act as catalysts for healthy change, motivating patients to do what is necessary to take control of their lives.
To create the best possible outcomes for patients, Naturopaths collaborate with all other healthcare practitioners. Cooperation is the key to success and respect for each patients' choice is top priority.
Naturopaths are uniquely trained to specialize in natural medicine. They are educated in conventional and non-conventional methods of treatment and prefer to treat disease and restore health using therapies from the sciences of clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, exercise and physical therapies, counseling and hydrotherapy.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) perform physical examinations along with nutritional and dietary assessments. NDs spend time listening deeply to each patient and create unique therapeutic doctor-patient relationships. Naturopaths are teachers and act as catalysts for healthy change, motivating patients to do what is necessary to take control of their lives.
To create the best possible outcomes for patients, Naturopaths collaborate with all other healthcare practitioners. Cooperation is the key to success and respect for each patients' choice is top priority.
Education and Licensure
Naturopathic doctors complete a four year graduate level medical program from one of seven accredited naturopathic schools in North America. The extent of training includes over 3,000 hours of classroom study in basic sciences, clinical sciences and up-to-date natural therapeutics, and over 1,500 hours of direct patient contact in diverse clinical settings. Beyond ordinary allopathic or osteopathic medical school training in courses like pathology, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, and pharmacology, naturopathic doctors are additionally trained in nutrition, lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine (herbs), homeopathy, physical medicine (hydrotherapy, manipulations, massage), minor surgery, IV therapy, and natural pharmaceuticals. In order to become licensed by the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination Board, the graduate must pass two series of vigorous medical board exams administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners.
Currently, 16 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors. Many other state associations are engaged in legislative efforts to expand licensure.
In licensed states, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) practice as family practice primary care providers with the ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform physical exams, and order laboratory testing. In unlicensed states, like West Virginia, NDs are not able to provide all of the services they were trained to provide. NDs in unlicensed states act as health and wellness consultants and do not replace care with a primary care provider.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) is the national professional society representing licensed or licensable naturopathic physicians who are graduates of four-year, residential graduate programs.
Currently, 16 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors. Many other state associations are engaged in legislative efforts to expand licensure.
In licensed states, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) practice as family practice primary care providers with the ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform physical exams, and order laboratory testing. In unlicensed states, like West Virginia, NDs are not able to provide all of the services they were trained to provide. NDs in unlicensed states act as health and wellness consultants and do not replace care with a primary care provider.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) is the national professional society representing licensed or licensable naturopathic physicians who are graduates of four-year, residential graduate programs.
