Sign up for our newsletter!
The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is based upon three basic principles: Principle #1: The body possesses the power to heal itself through its internal vitality and intelligence. This vital force is the foundation of naturopathic philosophy and the naturopathic practitioner strives to create the most favorable conditions to stimulate and enhance this healing power of nature. Principle #2: Disease is a manifestation of the vital force applying itself to the removal of obstructions to the normal functioning of organs and tissues. The naturopathic practitioner always seeks to discover and remove the basic causes of disease whether:
Principle #3: Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to health. In other words, disease affects the whole person - body, mind and spirit, and not simply an isolated organ or system. Each person responds in unique ways to their environment, each has individual strengths, weaknesses and needs. Their body's reactions to the same stress may be very different depending on their level of health, inherited tendencies, previous medical history, etc. The naturopathic practitioner searches for causes at many levels, and attempts to eliminate the fundamental cause of illness, not simply to remove symptoms.
Definition of Naturopathy Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of healing - a philosophy, science, art and practice - which seeks to promote health by stimulating and supporting the body's inherent power to regain harmony and balance. Although the term naturopathy was first used at the turn of the century, the philosophical basis and many of the methods of naturopathic medicine are ancient, some dating back at least to 400B.C, when Hippocrates became famous for his treatment of disease in accordance with natural laws. In fact, although Hippocrates is called the Father of Medicine, modern medical science typically ignores the self-evident laws of health laid down by him, which state:
Education & Training of Naturopathic Doctors Education of modern qualified naturopathic doctors includes premedical undergraduate coursework, completion of a four year, residential, graduate level program at an accredited naturopathic medical college, two years of supervised clinical internship (and in some cases a one- or two-year postgraduate residency program). NDs study the same basic and clinical sciences as do other medical students as well as the full spectrum of natural medicines and therapies. To be licensed, NDs must then pass state board examinations and meet other requirements for licensure. NDs are extensively trained in physical examination, laboratory testing, gynecological examinations, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, allergy testing, X-ray examinations and other diagnostic tests. NDs are the only primary care physicians trained in the use of a wide variety of natural therapies including nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and lifestyle counseling to restore and maintain good health. They combine and adapt naturopathic medicine treatments to the needs of the individual patient based on a philosophy which acknowledges the patient as an active participant in the healing process. Are Naturopathic Doctors Licensed? Naturopathic Doctors are licensed in these states: Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Kansas and Vermont. Naturopathic Doctors are finally in the process of becoming licensed to practice in California. There are naturopathic doctors in every state in the US. To practice in the state of Georgia, NDs most commonly work within the scope of their practices while offering naturopathic care under the supervision of medical doctors.
|
