Treating the Cause

Just as every acorn has the potential to be a great oak tree, each patient has the potential to experience optimal health.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians clinically trained in the art and science of natural medicine. Natural medicine is steeped in philosophy derived from 2000 year old Hippocratic teaching — the Vis mediatrix naturae — nature is the healer of all diseases. Naturopathic Doctors are experts in natural medicine.

Naturopathic doctors receive their training from federally recognized, four-year, postgraduate level Naturopathic Medical schools. Although naturopathic training encompasses the same basic bio-medical science that conventional medical practice embraces, the approach to health and disease differs considerably. NDs are well prepared in their training to serve patients of all ages -- from infancy through maturity. NDs use history and physical exam to diagnose and monitor treatment. They refer to medical specialists when appropriate.

In addition to diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions with scientific lab testing and imaging, NDs are also skilled in observing and working with the body to correct imbalance. The goal is to eliminate the obstacles to healing and to provide the tools for patients to take responsibility for their health. This approach offers patients the opportunity to learn about and incorporate healthy lifestyles and thereby maintain resiliency and wellness for life.

The type of treatment chosen is based on the individual needs of the patient. This approach has proven successful in the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. Treatment relies on the use of clinically successful, time tested, and often-researched natural methods.Such methods or modalities include botanical medicine, counseling, homeopathy, flower essences, hydrotherapy, physical manipulation, biotherapeutic drainage and others. ND’s strive to assist their patients in attaining and maintaining optimal health throughout the transitions that life brings.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic doctors incorporate the following principles in their own lives, and with every patient they encounter, thus promoting responsible and healthy living for the individual and for society as a whole.

First Do No Harm

Treatments that acknowledge, respect and work with the individual’s self-healing process are encouraged. Suppressive treatments are avoided, as are treatments that have potential to cause harmful side effects.

The Healing Power of Nature

Naturopathic doctors recognize the inherent self-healing process in every person. They utilize treatments and lifestyle changes that facilitate the natural healing process.

Identify and treat the cause

Naturopathic doctors seek to find and eliminate the root cause of illness.

Treat the Whole Person

Each patient is an individual that may manifest disease and imbalance differently. Mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, genetic, environmental and social issues are addressed. NDs know their patients because they spend time with them.

Prevention

Prevention is emphasized through assessing risk factors, disposition, heredity and susceptibility to disease. Appropriate interventions and lifestyle modifications are suggested to promote health and prevent chronic and debilitating health conditions.

Doctor as Teacher

Naturopathic doctors educate their patients.  Disease processes are explained as are healthy lifestyles and habits that promote wellness. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for walking their own path to wellness.

Licensing of Naturopathic Doctors

Currently, fourteen states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico have licensed Naturopathic Physicians as primary care providers. In these states, Naturopathic Doctors are required to graduate from one of the four-year, residential Naturopathic Medical schools, complete an internship,and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license. Licensed Naturopathic Doctors must also fulfill state-mandated continuing education requirements annually. In addition, they have a specific scope of practice defined by their state’s law. The states with current licensing laws for Naturopathic Doctors are Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

If your ND is not licensed, they my be a gifted healer, but you can not be assured of their training.

Current Legislation in California

In California, Naturopathic Doctors are licensed as primary care providers, able to diagnose and treat illness similarly to an MD who practices as a general practitioner or family practice doctor. Naturopathic Doctors can order laboratory tests, imaging and utilize these tools as well as an extensive history and physical exam to diagnose and manage illness. NDs use a small formulary of medications when needed, but tend to choose less invasive methods first. Although this is part of our training, Naturopathic Doctors in California are not at this time licensed to perform minor surgery or childbirth.

We are currently working with the legislators in Sacramento to update the licensing in the state of California to allow Naturopathic Doctors to practice to the full extent of their training. This would allow patients increased freedom of choice in their primary health care provider.  Please contact our state association if you could contribute to this effort at www.calnd.org