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ND’s practice naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine
is a distinctive approach to health care which blends centuries
old natural therapies with leading edge current advances in health.
The success of naturopathic health care is based on the recognition
of the uniqueness of each individual and the philosophy that the
treatment should focus on the cause of the disorder not the symptoms.
An ND's focus is holistic, routinely incorporating mental, emotional,
and physical aspects when evaluating a patient's health.
Principles of Naturopathic
Medicine (as defined by the
AANP)
The
healing power of nature
The healing power of nature is the inherent self-organizing and
healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains and
restores health. Naturopathic medicine recognizes this healing process
to be ordered and intelligent. It is the naturopathic physician's
role to support, facilitate and augment this process by identifying
and removing obstacles to health and recovery, and by supporting
the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.
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Identify
and treat the cause
Illness does not occur without cause. Causes may originate in many
areas. Underlying causes of illness and disease must be identified
and removed before complete recovery can occur. Symptoms can be
expressions of the body's attempt to defend itself, to adapt and
recover, to heal itself, or may be results of the causes of disease.
The naturopathic physician seeks to treat the causes of disease,
rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
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First
do no harm
Naturopathic physicians follow three precepts to avoid harming the
patient:
- Naturopathic physicians utilize methods and medicinal substances
which minimize the risk of harmful effects, and apply the least
possible force or intervention necessary to diagnose illness and
restore health.
- Whenever possible the suppression of symptoms is avoided as
suppression generally interferes with the healing process.
- Naturopathic physicians respect and work with the vis medicatrix
naturae in diagnosis, treatment and counseling, for if this self-healing
process is not respected the patient may be harmed.
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Treat
the whole person
Health and disease result from a complex of physical, mental, emotional,
genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health
also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage
individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development. Naturopathic
medicine recognizes the harmonious functioning of all aspects of
the individual as being essential to health. The multifactorial
nature of health and disease requires a personalized and comprehensive
approach to diagnosis and treatment. Naturopathic physicians treat
the whole person taking all of these factors into account.
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The
physician as teacher
The original meaning of the word "doctor" is teacher.
A principal objective of naturopathic medicine is to educate the
patient and emphasize self-responsibility for health. Naturopathic
physicians also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of
the doctor-patient relationship.
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Prevention
Naturopathic medical colleges emphasize the study of health as well
as disease. The prevention of disease and the attainment of optimal
health in patients are primary objectives of naturopathic medicine.
In practice, these objectives are accomplished through education
and the promotion of healthy ways of living. Naturopathic physicians
assess risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and
make appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients
to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine asserts that one cannot
be healthy in an unhealthy environment and is committed to the creation
of a world in which humanity may thrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why
should I go to a naturopathic physician?
Patients see us for many reasons. Generally they have a health problem
which has not been resolved and/or they are seeking a different
more natural approach to their health issues. My goal is to identify
the cause of the patients problem and to treat that cause not suppress
the patients symptoms which can drive the problem deeper.
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Is
naturopathic medicine scientific?
Licensed naturopathic physicians attend a four year graduate program.
The first two years include basic medical science courses. The third
and fourth year include Cardiology, Gynecology, Urology, Gastroenterology,
EENT, Neurology, Pharmacology, Botanical medicine, Nutrition, Homeopathy,
Counseling, Physical Medicine and Hydrotherapy.
Naturopathic therapies I recommend are typically based on human
research or clinical experience/trials. Earlier research had centered
in Europe and Asia but American research is increasing now that
national funding is available.
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Is
naturopathic medicine safe?
I strive to utilize clinic or research proven therapies which are
known to be safe. Care is taken to avoid interaction with other
natural substances or with pharmaceuticals. When stronger natural
therapies are required, short term conservative dosing with appropriate
monitoring is utilized. Patients are always kept informed. Naturopathic
physicians have extensive training in the safe use of botanicals
and supplements including some which are very powerful. You should
not self treat.
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Is
naturopathic medicine covered by insurance?
Health insurance coverage varies with each insurance company, the
patients plan within the company and the naturopathic physician’s
affiliation with that company. At this time I am do not participate
with insurance providers, but our office can generate the forms
required for you to send to your insurance company. We offer a unique
service which helps many people improve their health and quality
of life. Unfortunately some insurance companies do not recognize
the long range benefit. We do accept Visa, MasterCard and American
Express.
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Can
my naturopathic doctor and my medical doctor work together for my
treatment?
Yes, I feel a patient’s interest is best served when there
is a free exchange of ideas and knowledge between health care providers.
Each profession brings specific insight and co-treatment can be
very synergistic. Communication between all parties is the key to
integrated care.
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Are
naturopathic doctors opposed to surgery and traditional drug therapies?
You may receive different philosophical points of view on this question.
I believe surgery and drug therapy are important health care tools.
I also believe there are times when a holistic natural therapy plan
designed to treat the cause is the correct approach. Sometimes co-treatment
is the way to go. For instance, naturopathic co-treatment of cancer
patients has helped people manage radiation and chemotherapy side
effects.
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