Naturopathic Medicine -
by Christie C. Yerby, ND, Member NCANP and AANP
aturopathic medicine utilizes a combination of science-based non-drug therapeutics and conven- tional mainstream medical sciences to provide for the patient the best of both worlds. Trained as primary doctors and general practitioners in both spectrums of medicine, they are proficient in all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care, and often work with medical doctors (MDs) as an integrative team. The Duke Encyclopedia of New Medicine includes and
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describes naturopathy as one of the systems of medicine that offers a complete healthcare package. It states, “The aim of naturopathy is to educate patients on how to prevent illness and, if they are ill, to support the body’s capacity to heal itself.” The Mosby’s Medical Dictionary definition is similar: “A system of therapeutics based on the belief that illness can be healed by the natural processes of the body.” Naturopathic physicians are trained to treat the whole
person, and to assist the body systems to work together. A health plan is custom-designed to fit each patient. This is a complex task requiring time and thought by the doctor, and a dedicated commitment from the patient. They must work in trusting partnership to produce the repair and recovery that is possible.
Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year gradu-
ate level schools with admission and testing requirements comparable to those of conventional medical schools. The first years of training focus on basic medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and their related hands-on laboratory hours. The second two years include pathology, pharmacology, diagnostic skills, and other advanced medical courses. Throughout the 4-year program there is training in naturopathic therapeutics, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physi- cal manipulation, acupuncture, and others. Biochemistry, the foundational medical science for naturopathic doctors, begins in pre-med studies and continues throughout the program - a total of six years of study in this essential medi- cal science. Accredited naturopathic doctors are member-eligible for participation in the North Carolina Association of Natur- opathic Physicians (
www.NCANP.com). These association members are graduates of United States Department of
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NA Triangle
www.natriangle.com
Changing ‘Healthcare’ to ‘Health Caring’
Education accredited schools: Bastyr University (Seattle, WA), National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland, OR), Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (Tempe, AZ), or the University of Bridge- port (Bridgeport, CT). Two Canadian colleges are also approved: Boucher Institute (New Westminster, BC) and Canadian College (Toronto, ON). Each of these naturopath- ic colleges was listed in the 2007 Princeton Review list of “Top 168 Medical Schools.” The national governing body, The American Associa-
tion of Naturopathic Physicians (
www.naturopathic.org), is represented by its Vision Statement: “To transform the healthcare system from a disease management system to a comprehensive health program incorporating the principles of naturopathic medicine.” The six principles of naturopathic medicine form the matrix upon which the naturopathic medical system of healing is built. These principles are: The Healing Power of Nature; First, Do No Harm; Find and Treat the Cause; Treat the Whole Person; Prevent Disease; and Physician as Teacher
Naturopathic medical training and motivation center
around the belief that the human body has an inherent power to heal itself when given a supportive plan; this is termed “the healing power of nature.” Honoring the natural processes of life and identifying the obstacles to cure are the backbone of the naturopathic philosophy. In a changing healthcare environment, one fact
remains: prevention is the key to good health. Naturopathic physicians are trained to assess risk factors and susceptibil- ity to disease, identify toxic elements, judge excessive or deficient dietary or supplemental nutrient values, and work in partnership with those striving to prevent illness. Through education and example, naturopathic doctors encourage self-responsibility for personal health and decision-making. At the same time, with the goal of optimizing outcomes, they actively develop an integrative support team that can include medical doctors and other health professionals. An appointment with a naturopathic physician is much
longer than a conventional insurance-covered medical visit. A 60 to 90-minute visit is common. While insurance does not cover this valuable educational experience, those who
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