Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.
How do Naturopath Doctors become an ND physician?
Naturopathic physicians are trained at accredited naturopathic medical colleges and receive extensive naturopathic medical education to deliver safe, evidence-informed care.
Also known as naturopathic doctors (ND) or doctors of naturopathic medicine (NMD), they usually attend an accredited four-year, graduate-level school. There, they study basic sciences similar to those studied in conventional medical school. They also study nutrition, psychology, and complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy.
Students in naturopathic medical school study alongside other health care providers, learning to collaborate across health care professions to enhance integrative health outcomes.
Licensed graduates may join associations like the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians or the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, helping to shape the future of the field.
Some states and territories require naturopathic doctors to become licensed, meaning they have to pass an exam to practice and take continuing education classes. Licensed graduates may join associations like the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians or the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, helping to shape the future of the field.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a growing health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of healing to support the body’s natural ability to restore balance.
It’s a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural medicine. It is based on the healing power of nature, and it supports and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself.
Naturopathic physicians receive rigorous naturopathic medical education focused on clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and physical medicine. The naturopathic profession is part of a growing movement in health care that values disease prevention, stress reduction, and the body’s own healing mechanisms—what we call the body’s natural ability.
With increasing interest in complementary and alternative medicine, this field continues to see rapid growth and greater recognition among health professions, making naturopathic schools a respected part of the health sciences landscape.
How can a Naturopath help me?
From managing chronic conditions with natural forms of treatment to offering services like lifestyle counselling, lab tests, or even minor surgeries, licensed naturopathic doctors serve as vital members of the broader health care providers community. Naturopathic medicine is used for a wide range of health issues. Some of the more common ones include:
Allergies
Headaches
Fertility issues
Digestive problems
Weight loss
Anti-Aging Benefits
Obesity
Hormonal imbalances
Chronic pain
Chronic fatigue syndrome
General health
Immunity
Gut Health including IBS, leaky gut and SIBO
General Well Being
Traditional naturopaths address all health concerns for all ages, from acute to chronic and physical, psychological and general well-being. Naturopathic medicine is beneficial for the following types of patients:
- Patients that are looking for disease prevention and health promotion strategies.
- Patients that have a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical practitioners.
- Patients that have been diagnosed with an illness, often serious or chronic and are looking for treatment options. Naturopathic medicine is very effective for improving quality of life for those with serious and life threatening illnesses.
- Patients that are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimizing side effects of drugs, surgery or conventional treatments.Patients that have a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical practitioners.
- Patients that are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimizing side effects of drugs, surgery or conventional treatments.
The History of Naturopath Medicine:
Naturopathic medicine was introduced in North America in 1902 by Dr. Benedict Lust. By 1920, naturopathic practice was well established in Canada. Laws regulating naturopathic practice were enacted in Ontario by 1925, in British Columbia in 1936, in Manitoba in 1943 and in Saskatchewan in 1952. The CAND has been representing the profession’s interests in Canada since 1955.
After the Second World War health care moved away from a more natural approach, focusing on the advances in surgical techniques, the introduction of antibiotics and the growth of the pharmaceutical industry. In the last twenty years, public desire for greater control in the healthcare process and a growing dissatisfaction with high-tech solutions to health problems has resulted in a resurgent interest in the natural methods of preventive health care. This trend has increased demand for naturopathic services as people seek ways to improve their health, cope with day-to-day stresses and avoid illness. Naturopathic medical education began in Canada in 1978 with the founding of the Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine (OCNM) in Toronto. In 1992, the College became the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). In 2000, the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine opened in British Columbia to provide further educational opportunities for students seeking training as naturopathic doctors.
How do Naturopathic Doctors compare to conventional Doctors?
Both are doctors and health care professionals, both provide primary care and both are similarly trained healthcare professionals. The primary differences between naturopathic and conventional medicine are the philosophical approach and the therapies used. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) treat patients as individuals by addressing the underlying causes, physical, environmental, lifestyle, attitudinal, and emotional aspects of health through naturopathic programs. This allows naturopathic doctors to find and treat the cause of the disease using a variety of alternative therapies and traditional medicine. Conventional medical doctors generally address and treat the symptoms of disease and use pharmaceutical therapies or surgery.
As complementary and alternative medicine gains traction, naturopathic practitioners continue to play a central role in naturopathic practice, providing holistic options to prevent illness and guide patients toward optimal health.