What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathy is a school of natural medicine which emphasizes the innate ability of the body to heal itself. Naturopathic practice may include many different components such as nutrition, exercise, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, environmental medicine, counseling and spinal manipulation. Naturopathic physicians emphasize a holistic approach to patient care and may recommend patients use conventional medicine alongside their treatments.
Naturopathic physicians prefer not to use invasive surgery or most synthetic drugs. They are trained to effectively utilize natural remedies such as herbs and foods. Graduates of a naturopathic medical school in North America are trained to use diagnostic tests such as imaging, blood tests and other specialized laboratory testing to help decide on the full course of treatment and ensure safety. When necessary, Naturopathic physicians will refer patients to conventional medical specialists. In Oregon and other states, naturopathic physicians are licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical medicines, perform minor surgeries and administer vitamins intravenously.
Naturopathic Education
A licensed naturopathic doctor (N.D.) attends a four-year post baccalaureate level naturopathic medical school. Training includes all of the same basic sciences as an M.D. or D.O.. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete intensive training in clinical nutrition, Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health). The ND education has a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician. Additional information on naturopathic schools can be found on the American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges web site.
