Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies. While the roots of naturopathic medicine date back to the 1890s, naturopathic medicine has witnessed a rapid increase in public interest in recent years as a result of the growing consumer movement to solve the health care puzzle using prevention, wellness and respect for nature's inherent healing ability.

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) act as primary care practitioners in 22 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. They blend centuries-old knowledge and a philosophy that nature is the most effective healer with current research on health and human systems.

Naturopathic medicine focuses on identifying the underlying causes of disease, while naturopathic therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, chiropractic medicine, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality.

The therapeutic modalities used in naturopathic medicine (including physical manipulation, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and hydrotherapy) integrate conventional, scientific and empirical methodology with the ancient laws of nature.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Healing Power of Nature

We recognize the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Our goal is to identify and remove obstacles to recovery to facilitate this healing ability.

Identify and Treat the Causes

We seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.

First Do No Harm

Use methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects. Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms. Acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to resolve the presenting problem.

Doctor as Teacher

We educate each person and encourage self-responsibility for health. We also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the relationship a person forms with their practitioner.

Treat the Whole Person

We take into account physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental, and social factors.

Prevention

We emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors, evaluation of hereditary susceptibility to disease, and take appropriate measures to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.

The information contained on this website is presented for educational purposes only. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before making any changes to your healthcare routine. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Currently, 22 states, five Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have laws regulating naturopathic doctors (NDs). In these states and provinces, naturopathic doctors are required to graduate from a four-year, in-residence naturopathic medical school and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license or registration. Licensed naturopathic physicians must fulfill state- or province-mandated continuing education requirements annually, and have a specific scope of practice defined by the law in their state or province. States currently offering licensure and registration to naturopathic physicians include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington.

Scope of practice regulations vary among licensed/regulated states, as do the parameters and restrictions for practitioners located in as yet unlicensed venues. Legal provisions still allow naturopathic doctors to consult with patients, making recommendations and suggestions based on prior diagnosis, in several of the yet unlicensed states and provinces. Contact us to find out more information regarding these regulations.