Naturopathic Doctor
A traditional Naturopathic Doctor (ND) does not practice medicine, nor diagnose, treat or cure any diseases. Naturopaths embody the philosophy of clean (pure) water and air, natural whole food, proper nutrition, healthy exercise, absence from toxic substances as well as toxic thoughts, body ecology and effectively managing stess. A holistic balance of mind, body and spirit is the goal of the naturopathic doctor.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHY
DO NO HARM
RECOGNIZE THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE
FIND AND ELIMINATE THE CAUSE OF POOR HEALTH
ACKNOWLEDGE THE TOTAL PERSON
TEACH HEALTH
PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH
RECOGNIZE THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE
FIND AND ELIMINATE THE CAUSE OF POOR HEALTH
ACKNOWLEDGE THE TOTAL PERSON
TEACH HEALTH
PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH
FAQ
Q: What is Naturopathy?
A: Naturopathy, or "natural medicine," is one of the most important branches of alternative medicine, exerting an influence far beyond the actual numbers of its formal practitioners. Named by Benedict Lust at the turn of the century, its immediate roots go back to the spa treatments of nineteenth century Germany, but its founding principles can be found in the writings of Hippocrates and other healers of the ancient world.
The defining principle of naturopathy is vis medicatrix naturae, or nature's healing power. From this perspective,
disease is caused by departing from the natural way of living, and health is established by returning to it.
Much of conventional medicine's current interest in diet and lifestyle came into being through the influence of naturopathic practitioners. There is little doubt that their general recommendations are health-promoting: eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, maintain a healthful weight, and avoid toxic habits, such as smoking. It is less clear, however, whether the more specific dietary suggestions sometimes made by naturopathic practitioners will actually enhance health. Some of these suggestions include drinking 64 ounces of water daily, eating organic fruits and vegetables, and avoiding certain food combinations (such as starches and protein).
Q: What is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?
A: A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) does not practice medicine. They do not diagnose, treat or cure any diseases. Naturopaths embody the philosophy of clean (pure) water and air, natural whole food, proper nutrition, healthy exercise, absence from toxic substances as well as toxic thoughts, body ecology as well as effectively managing stess. A holistic balance of mind, body and spirit is the goal of the naturopathic doctor.
Q: How to Choose a Qualified Naturopathic Practitioner?
A: Naturopathic Physicians are "holistic" medical doctors (MD) and doctors of osteopathy (DO), chiropractors (DC) all require License by the states they practice in. Several states require Naturopathic Doctors (ND) to be licensed as well. States requiring the ND licensure are listed in the table below. Most major Canadian provinces also license NDs. In states where the ND license is not required, NDs may still practice after completing the required courses and obtaining the Doctor of Naturopathy degree.
Q: Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements?
A: Naturopathic practitioners are famous for emphasizing the use of vitamins and supplements. Ironically, early practitioners of naturopathy were quite opposed to the use of vitamins and supplements, considering them refined processed foods (which they are). Matters changed in the 1960s when Linus Pauling promoted vitamin C as a cure for many illnesses, leading to the development of "orthomolecular medicine." This approach, now incorporated into naturopathy, believes that the roots of many diseases may be found in a subtle form of malnutrition caused by a combination of the following factors: poor diet, inability to absorb nutrients, increased need for nutrients, and difficulties metabolizing or using nutrients. When nutrient levels in the body are increased, the theory goes, the body will have the means to heal itself. On this principle, naturopathic practitioners often recommend that people take relatively high doses of certain nutrients in the form of supplements. In addition, they believe that many non-nutrient substances found in plants can contribute to health.you?
Q: Detoxification?
A: Another traditional naturopathic emphasis revolves around the concept of detoxification. This term refers to the belief that modern life—with its chemical pollutants, poor lifestyle habits, and psychological stresses—causes toxins to accumulate in the body. These toxins are said to be a major cause of disease, and removing them from the body is believed to promote health. Detoxification methods include adopting a healthful diet, drinking large quantities of water, using cleansing herbs and supplements, and undergoing special processes such as ionic foot detox baths, colon-cleansing, liver-flushing, and removal of mercury fillings.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
If there is heat, cool it; if there is cold, warm it; if there is dryness, moisten it; if there is dampness, dry it; if there is vacuity, supplement it; and if there is excess, drain it." - Neijing, The Yellow Emperor's Classics of Internal Medicine
Shi Liao (Food Therapy)
The Chinese viewpoint of a balanced diet is quite different from that in the West. The Chinese system views a balanced diet as one which includes all 5 tastes - spicy, sour, bitter, sweet, and salty. Foods and herbs which have a particular taste tend to have particular properties. For example, bitter herbs and foods tend to be drying and Cold. This tends to make them good for treating Damp Heat conditions, but contraindicated for people who are too Cold and/or too Dry. Many of them have antibiotic-like properties. On the other hand, the herbs and foods with a salty taste tend to be warming and moistening. This tends to make them great for treating people who suffer from Cold and Dryness, but they should be used cautiously in people who are Hot and Damp.