The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians defines naturopathic medicine as "a distinct system of healthcare - an art, science and philosophy in the practice of natural medicine and the prevention of disease." The principles upon which naturopathic medicine is practiced are derived through the objective observation of the nature of health and disease. The treatment modalities used in naturopathic medicine include nutritional therapeutics, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, naturopathic manipulative therapy, natural childbirth and lifestyle counseling.

What Illnesses Can Be Addressed by a Naturopathic Physician?
Naturopathic medicine is effective in treating most acute and chronic diseases. A visit to a naturopathic doctor may be similar to that of a conventional doctor in that a medical history and physical exam are performed. However, naturopaths and conventional medical doctors differ in the time that is spent with the patient and the form of treatment that is given. Naturopaths draw from their extensive training in natural therapeutics to support health and prevent disease. It is our goal to improve your overall health so that acute and chronic diseases are no longer a burden in your life.

Naturopathic Philosophy
Naturopathic doctors are the generalists of natural medicine. We use an eclectic approach to healthcare based on your needs. Many of our treatments are designed to treat health conditions by improving digestion and nutrient availability, increasing immune function and removing internal obstacles to healing.

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:

The Healing Power of Nature - Your body possesses the inherent ability to heal itself while the role of the doctor is to facilitate this process in the most natural way possible.
Treat the Cause - Naturopathic doctors treat the underlying cause of disease rather than simply treating or suppressing symptoms.
First Do No Harm - Naturopathic doctors use safe and effective therapies that do not harm the patient while eliminating a disease process.
Treat the Whole Person - You are viewed as a whole person composed of complex interactions between physical, mental/emotional, spiritual, social and biological aspects of your life.
The Physician as Teacher - Naturopathic doctors are, first and foremost teachers who educate, empower and motivate you to assume a role of personal responsibility for your health.
Prevention is the Best "Cure" - Naturopathic doctors are preventive medicine specialists. Prevention of disease is accomplished through education and the creation of a lifestyle that supports health.

What Training Does a Naturopathic Physician Receive?
There are three naturopathic medical schools in the Untied States and one in Canada. The degree, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, requires the completion of a four-year postgraduate program from one of the 4 schools. The curriculum is very similar to conventional medical schools with extensive study in the basic and clinical science. We also receive extensive training in naturopathic therapeutics including botanical medicine, homeopathy, therapeutic nutrition, naturopathic manipulative therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and natural childbirth. In addition to the didactic program, we spend the second part of our education in clinical training. Most naturopathic doctors practice primary care medicine, while some specialize in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, naturopathic manipulative therapy, or homeopathy.

History of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine has existed in the United States as a distinct healthcare profession for over 100 years. At the turn of the century, a variety of medical practitioners included natural therapeutics in their practice and eventually joined together to form the first naturopathic medical societies. During this time more than 20 naturopathic medical colleges were in existence. However, the interest in naturopathic medicine experienced a decline in the 1940's and 50's with the rise in popularity of pharmaceutical drugs and technological medicine. Natural therapeutics appeared to be the medicine of the past. Fortunately, in the past two decades the interest in naturopathic medicine has experienced a resurgence. As doctors and patients become disillusioned with the use of pharmaceutical drugs and their associated side effects, they are turning towards more natural methods for the treatment of both acute and chronic diseases. It has been through the demands of an educated and health conscious public that natural medicine has made a strong comeback.

Future of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine continues to grow and evolve by incorporating diagnostic methods and research that advance the understanding of the mechanisms of natural healing and therapeutics. Naturopathic medicine incorporates scientific advances from medical disciplines throughout the world. Many of the individual therapies have been scientifically validated especially in the areas of nutrition, botanical medicine and homeopathy. Research at the naturopathic medical schools is ongoing in the form of double blind and placebo controlled studies, case studies and homeopathic provings. Advances in our knowledge of natural therapeutics are always applied within the principles of the profession.