During the years preceding and following WW2, naturopathy enjoyed great popularity and support. Conventions were well attended by both professionals and the public and naturopathic medicine was practised in many states with naturopathic licensure laws.
Naturopathy focuses on treating the underlying cause rather than just managing symptoms. In doing so, it addresses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of wellness. Contact Washington DC Naturopathic Medicine for professional help.
One of the guiding principles of naturopathic medicine is the principle of vis medicatrix naturae or “the healing power of nature.” This is defined as “the inherent self-organizing and healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains and restores health.” It is the doctor’s role to support, facilitate and augment this natural healing process.
Naturopathic physicians use modalities such as diet, water treatments (called the ‘water cure’), exercise, rest, fresh air and herbal medicines to stimulate a patient’s own inherent healing abilities. This is the core of the naturopathic philosophy and is at the heart of every interaction between an ND and their patients.
Treat the Whole Person
Health and disease result from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental and social factors. NDs take into account all of these factors when treating an individual. They work with each patient to create strategies for reducing potential health hazards and preventing illness.
Prevention is the Best Cure
Prevention is a fundamental naturopathic principle and the basis for all treatment decisions. By utilizing patient education and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, naturopathic doctors strive to prevent minor illness from turning into serious or chronic conditions. Naturopathic medicine also stresses the importance of assessing risk factors and heredity to identify susceptibility to disease.
The naturopathic physician works to prioritize the least toxic and invasive therapeutic approaches first when treating a patient. Rather than immediately reaching for pharmaceuticals to solve problems, a naturopathic doctor will employ natural therapies such as herbs, micronutrients, and diet before moving on to more powerful medications if needed.
Early naturopaths believed that there was a universal vital force or chi that created the universe and all living things. This same chi flowed through every human being and it was man’s disconnection from this source that led to illness. Early naturopaths realized that if they could reconnect the patient with this life force, the patient would naturally heal itself. This was the basic premise of the naturopathic philosophy that fueled the “Nature Cure” movement that flourished in Europe during the early 1800’s.
Assessment
The naturopathic physician looks at the whole person, not just their symptoms. Each person has a unique genetic makeup, or constitutional makeup, that influences the expression of their symptoms and how they respond to treatment. The naturopathic physician uses this information to guide the diagnosis and treatment of each individual.
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention, preventing disease and illness through healthy living and lifestyle habits. The naturopathic physician assesses each patient’s risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and makes preventive interventions to reduce these risks.
Patients are often drawn to naturopathic therapies because of their experience with conventional medications. Some have experienced adverse side effects from long-term use or found that the drugs they are taking no longer provide the benefits they once did. Other reasons include dissatisfaction with the relationship with their primary care physicians, who may not be open to CAM therapies or simply indifferent to the patient’s request for alternative approaches to managing their symptoms.
While a naturopathic doctor may not be able to fully address all of a patient’s health concerns at once, they will work with the patient and other health care practitioners to make sure that all aspects of the patient’s health are addressed. The naturopathic doctor will also make referrals to other healthcare professionals for further evaluation and therapy if necessary.
Most naturopathic doctors are in private practice, with some working in community health centers, hospitals and other facilities. In addition, there are a few 1- to 2-year postdoctoral CNME-certified naturopathic residency programs available. These programs are gaining in popularity as more physicians recognize the value of integrating naturopathic medicine into their practices.
All naturopathic doctors are licensed by their respective states, and are required to pass the NPLEX licensing exam. They also take an oath that requires them to follow the six principles of naturopathy and to treat each patient with dignity and respect. The oath is what ties all naturopathic doctors together as a group and is one of the hallmarks of the profession. Licensing laws for NDs also help protect patients by ensuring that only those trained in naturopathic medicine are practicing naturopathy.
Diagnosis
Naturopathic physicians believe that people are innately healthy and that their bodies are designed to self-heal. They focus on identifying and treating the root causes of disease, rather than just masking symptoms. They do this by using a variety of methods, including physical assessments and laboratory tests.
They also consider how a person’s environment and lifestyle affect their health, and encourage people to maintain a simple and natural diet that is high in fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains. They may also recommend dietary supplements to help prevent or treat certain diseases, as long as the individual consults with their doctor first, because nutritional supplementation can interfere with certain medications.
In addition, naturopathic doctors are trained to educate patients in the steps they can take to achieve and maintain health and wellness. They are encouraged to teach patients about the body’s innate healing processes, and view illness as a result of a breakdown in the body’s natural ability to maintain balance. Naturopathic doctors encourage individuals to reclaim their personal agency in the process of finding a treatment plan and restoring and maintaining health. They do this by helping them to reclaim their power through education, encouragement and hope.
Licensed naturopaths often claim that they are qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, such as bloodstream infections and autoimmune disorders. However, naturopathic doctors have a level of education and training that falls many years and thousands of hours short of what physicians receive. Physicians, such as MDs and DOs, typically spend four years in medical school followed by a minimum of three and up to seven years in residency.
While naturopathic medicine is gaining popularity in the US, it is important to remember that this type of therapy should not replace other medical treatments and care. It is also essential to let your naturopath know about any other treatments you are receiving, because some herbs and supplements can interact with some conventional medicines.
Treatment
Naturopathy is not a replacement for traditional medical treatments, but it can be used to complement and enhance them. Naturopaths often work in partnership with MDs, DCs, DOs, acupuncturists and other healthcare practitioners to provide a holistic approach to patient care. Patients can also find naturopathic methods to be helpful in maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, including dietary changes and exercise programs.
NDs focus on treating the whole person, taking into account physical, mental and emotional factors. Treatments are designed to help each individual achieve and maintain optimum health, promoting wellness and eliminating disease.
Treatment modalities include professional grade supplements, endocrine balancing, homeopathy, manual therapies and other healing techniques. NDs avoid synthetic, over-the-counter symptom relief medications that can mask the true cause of disease, and instead seek to identify the root of a patient’s symptoms. They may also recommend physical alignment therapies like spinal manipulation, craniosacral therapy or massage to restore skeletal balance and help the body heal itself.
During the initial consultation, a Naturopath will ask patients about their symptoms, health history, diet and lifestyle. They will also use diagnostic tools such as iridology, tongue and nail analysis and pathology tests to gain a full picture of the patient’s condition.
Naturopathic doctors are trained in a wide range of healing modalities, which they combine to formulate treatment plans for their patients. They are also licensed to perform minor surgeries and prescribe medications under certain circumstances.