Naturopathic & Oriental Medicine

Naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural, nontoxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from pediatric to geriatric care.

Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness, tailoring treatment to the patient and emphasizing prevention and self care. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.

Conditions Naturopathic & Oriental Medicine can Help

Naturopathic & Oriental Medicine can help a variety of acute, chronic, and unusual conditions affecting various body systems. The body does not get sick in parts, it is a complex interconnection of body, mind and spirit.

The following is a brief list of conditions Naturopathic & Oriental medicine can offer relief for:

• Skin: acne, eczema, rashes, psoriasis, dermatitis
• Head: headaches, migraines, vertigo, ear infections, sinusitis, hay fever, allergies, sore throats, colds, flu
• Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections
• Cardiovascular: high blood pressure, poor circulation, artherosclerosis
• Gastrointestinal: constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, food allergies, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome
• Women's health: PMS, dysmenorrhea, menopause, natural hormone replacement therapy, infertility, fibroids, ovarian cysts
• Men's health: BPH, prostatitis
• Mental/Emotional: anxiety, depression, stress
• Musculoskeletal: low back pain, chronic pain, arthritis, shoulder pain
• Other: fatigue, obesity, cancer, addictions, detoxification from drugs & smoking, stop smoking protocols

Frequently asked questions about Naturopathic Medicine

What is the Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine?

First Do No Harm
Naturopaths use the least forceful & least invasive therapies first to minimize risks and harmful side effects that other methods can have.

The Healing Power of Nature
By using natural therapies, Naturopaths work to help maintain or restore the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

Identify & Treat the Cause
Symptoms are not the disease, but rather an indication of an underlying cause creating imbalance. Naturopaths work to find the cause and remove obstacles which can prevent cure.

Treat the Whole Person
Illness is often due to many factors in a person’s life. Naturopathic Physicians take all of these into consideration when determining the best course of treatment for the individual.

Physician as Teacher
One of the goals of Naturopathic Medicine is to educate people about how to take an active role in creating health by learning how their bodies function and what causes malfunction.

Prevention is the Best Cure
Naturopaths educate patients about a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative conditions.

What Education do Naturopathic Physicians have?

Naturopathic Physicians attend an accredited four-year post graduate Naturopathic medical school. Naturopaths are educated in all the same basic sciences as Medical Physicians, but also study holistic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimal wellness.

In addition to a standard medical curriculum, Naturopathic physicians are required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical medicine, psychology and counseling. Clinical training occurs at naturopathic and community based clinics under the direct supervision of licensed Naturopathic Physicians.

A Naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.

Education includes such courses as:

• Anatomy
• Pharmacology
• Physiotherapy
• Physiology
• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Biochemistry
• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Immunology
• Gynecology
• Dermatology
• Microbiology
• Minor Surgery
• Nutrition
• Pathology
• Lab Diagnosis
• IV Therapy
• Homeopathy
• Herbal Medicine
• Hydrotherapy
• Naturopathic Manipulation
• Clinical & Physical Diagnosis, and more...

What are some treatment options Naturopathic Physicians use?

Naturopathic Physicians start with safe, gentle yet effective treatment options. A brief list includes:

• Herbal (Botanical) Medicine
• Nutritional/Dietary Counseling
• Vitamin & Mineral Supplements
• Homeopathy, Homeopathic Drainage
• Physical Medicine
• Flower Essences
• Hydrotherapy
• Preventive Medicine & Lifestyle Counseling
• Detoxification and cleansing diets

How do I Find a Qualified Naturopathic Physician?

Currently, there are only four recognized accredited Naturopathic medical schools. These schools have been accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), a division of the U.S. department of Education.

A Naturopathic Physician that has attended one of these schools has undergone 4 years of post graduate training at an accredited Naturopathic medical school and has been supervised under a licensed Naturopathic Physician.

• Bastyr University; Kenmore, WA.
• The National College of Naturopathic Medicine; Portland, OR.
• Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences; Tempe, AZ.
• University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine; Bridgeport, CT (candidate for accreditation)
• The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine; North York, ON.

Currently only the following states have regulation of naturopathic physicians. In these states ND's are required to graduate from an accredited 4 year Naturopathic medical school and pass board exams in order to receive a license. These states include:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.