Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is founded in science and based on the philosophy that the body has the innate ability to heal itself when given the right tools.

Also, naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness and emphasizes prevention and self-care. This medical system has been shown to be very effective healing many different health problems naturally.

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 Doctor: 

• Heals the cause, not just the symptoms.

• Heals the whole body, not just the parts.

• Emphasizes preventative care.

A Naturopathic Doctor utilizes the science and philosophy of diagnosing, treating  and preventing disease by using modern and ancient techniques all based upon the naturopathic medical model. Based upon its holistic foundation, naturopathic medicine utilizes safe and effective traditional therapeutics along with current advances in modern medicine. This allows ND’s to manage a broad range of health conditions afflicting people of any age.

 Education

• Both the Department of Education and the Carnegie Institute classify the ND degree as a first-professional degree under Doctorate-Professional (clinical), on par with MD and DO degrees.

• Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year, post-graduate level medical schools with admissions requirements comparable to those of other medical schools. ND’s are trained in all the medical sciences: anatomy, cardiology, biochemistry, neurology, physiology, pediatrics, pathology, dermatology, microbiology, obstetrics, immunology, gynecology, radiology, pharmacology, minor surgery, lab, physical diagnosis, etc.

• Naturopathic doctors have in depth clinical training during the course of their schooling where they are required to perform minor surgery, physical examinations, women’s wellness exams, IV therapy, IM therapy, and many other clinical hands on applications.

​Throughout the four years, there is didactic and clinical training in naturopathic therapeutics; including:

• therapeutic nutrition

• botanical medicine

• homeopathy

• bio-identical hormone therapy

• pharmacology and minor surgery

• The CNME has currently accredited three schools to provide such education. These schools are Bastyr University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, and Sonoran University of Health Sciences.

The six principles that guide Naturopathic medicine include:

First Do No Harm 

Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.

The Healing Power of Nature 

The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician’s role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.

Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect 

Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body’s natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.

​Treat the Whole Person 

The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs.

​The Physician is a Teacher 

The physician’s major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy, cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.

​Prevention is the best “cure” 

Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.