Naturopathic Medicine: The Healing Journey

Healing is a dynamic process, a process that encompasses the whole-person, not isolated parts and systems. The goal of healing is to reestablish health by finding and treating the root cause of discomfort and disease.

Optimal Wellness

When you feel healthy, it is because all parts of you are working together.  Optimal wellness is not just being symptom-free, but becoming everything you can be; physically, mentally and emotionally.  For some individuals it means capturing their good fortune in genetics and training to successfully complete the Iron Man/Woman competition. For others, it means taking what genetics we have and nurturing the best health we can achieve, maximizing our potential selves.

The Naturopathic Way

Naturopathic medicine is a system of healthcare — an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. More important than symptom management which addresses only one part of the health puzzle, Naturopathic medicine addresses the patient's total health, or optimal wellness.

Naturopathic medicine is defined by the principles that underlie and determine its practice rather than by the substances used in its practice. Naturopathic medicine is natural, effective holistic medicine.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

The Healing Power of Nature: The inherent self-organizing and healing process of living systems. Naturopathic medicine recognizes this healing process to be ordered and intelligent. It is the naturopathic physician's role to support, facilitate and augment this process by identifying and removing obstacles to health and recovery, and by supporting the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.

First Do No Harm: Naturopathic physicians utilize methods and medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful effects, and apply the least possible force or intervention necessary to diagnose illness and restore health. Whenever possible the suppression of symptoms is avoided as suppression generally interferes with the healing process. However, there are times when a suppressive therapy can save a life.

Doctor As Teacher: The original meaning of the word "doctor" is teacher. A principal objective of naturopathic medicine is to educate the patient and emphasize self-responsibility for health. Naturopathic physicians also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship. A vital part of this is spending more time with our patients. We believe an informed patient makes more intelligent decisions about his/her health.

Schooling

Naturopathic physicians (NDs) are licensed healthcare providers who have undergone rigorous professional training at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine. They are trained to provide primary care and/or specialty care. A naturopathic physician’s diagnostic and therapeutic techniques include both modern and traditional. Naturopathic methods incorporate the scientific and empiric, and therapies range from the most fundamental (“nature cure” and “food as medicine”) to conventional treatments.

Infused in this practice is a profound respect for the art of medicine, reverence for the wisdom of nature and application of the latest scientific research, all applied to promote optimal patient outcomes. While other providers may use techniques and treatments similar to those used by naturopaths, only NDs licensed by the state in which they practice are able to use the term “naturopathic” in representing themselves to the public.

Naturopathic physicians undergo training that is similar in structure and scope to that of MDs. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year graduate schools with rigorous admissions requirements comparable to other medical schools. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree is awarded after classroom, clinical and practical study.

Naturopathic physicians are trained in standard medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, clinical and physical diagnosis, pharmacology, cardiology, neurology, radiology, minor surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, embryology, pediatrics, dermatology and physical medicine.

The training also includes extensive study of naturopathic philosophy and therapeutics including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, hydrotherapy and counseling.

Scope of Practice

Naturopathic physicians are trained to provide primary care and/or specialty care in outpatient settings. NDs see patients with acute and chronic conditions and employ all standard conventional diagnostic tools including physical examination, laboratory tests and imaging. The full range of lab tests and physical exams (including PAP smears) are an essential part of ND training and practice.

NDs may use additional physical and laboratory procedures to assess nutritional status, metabolic function and/or toxic load, while considerable time may also be spent assessing mental, emotional, social and spiritual status to assure that any treatment plan is comprehensive.

NDs use a variety of therapies to promote health and treat disease, including dietetics, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, naturopathic manipulative therapy, lifestyle counseling, exercise therapy, homeopathy and hydrotherapy. NDs can perform minor office procedures appropriate to a primary care setting, administer vaccinations and prescribe most standard drugs when indicated. Like other primary care doctors, NDs delegate to nurses and medical assistants, and they refer to specialists when appropriate.

NDs in Washington State (where we practice) can write prescriptions and give vaccinations. Most health insurance plans in Washington State (where we practice) cover naturopathic care.

What's in a Name?

Naturopathic Medicine has a long history, with roots going back hundreds of years. However, in terms of accredited schools and licensure, Naturopathic Medicine is a relatively new field.

Naturopaths are licensed by the states in which they practice. Some states do not license Naturopaths. In these states, you may find unlicensed people calling themselves Naturopaths. Although these people may have completed online degree programs, it was not from an accredited school. Be aware: these self-described Naturopaths most likely received little to no medical training.

How do you make sure that your Naturopathic Doctor is licensed?

To find a fully trained Naturopathic doctor in your area visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at Naturopathic.org.