About Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic physicians are trained in the art and science of natural healthcare at accredited medical colleges. The curriculum in such colleges includes conventional basic and medical sciences and additional extensive training in natural health sciences. Clinical training is obtained in outpatient clinics, community clinics and affiliated hospitals. Depending on local licensure statutes, naturopathic physicians may be fully recognized as primary healthcare providers.

Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine that assists in the restoration of health by following a set of specific rules. A basic assumption is that health is orderly by nature, and this dependable orderliness is guided by a kind of inner wisdom that everyone has.

Naturopathic physicians understand that any treatments used should not further damage the ill person, whenever possible. The ND will work with a person to figure out the underlying cause of the problem, searching for what in the patient’s life is most out of balance. Naturopathic physicians see the doctor-patient relationship as partnership, where the patient is fully involved in their health care.

To help a person eliminate harmful stresses, the doctor becomes a teacher, educating the patient and providing all the information the patient needs to be a full partner in the recovery process. Naturopathic medicine is largely focused on prevention of disease and maintenance of optimal health. NDs teach their patients about new behaviors and effective ways to maintain health and well being. When confronted with illness, naturopathic physicians choose treatment options that are suitable for the needs of each individual patient. Such treatment options may include clinical nutrition and dietary changes, counseling for lifestyle modification, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, and nutritional supplementation, as well as pharmaceuticals and minor surgery.