WHAT IS NATUROPATHY?
The Origin of Naturopathy
The term 'Naturopathy' was created from 'natura' (the Latin root for birth) and 'pathos' (the Greek root for suffering) to suggest 'natural healing'. Naturopaths believe the father of medicine, 'Hippocrates' was the first advocate of naturopathic medicine. Hippocratic medicine was influenced by the Pythagorean theory, which deemed that nature was made of four elements (water, earth, wind and fire). Hippocrates is credited with being the first person to believe that diseases were caused naturally, not because of superstition and gods.
What is Naturopathy?
Naturopathic medicine is based on a belief in the body's ability to heal itself through it's own special vital energy or intelligent force that guides bodily processes internally. Diagnosis and treatments are via alternative therapies that are often combined with organic and plant based modalities; encouraging the body's natural ability to heal. Naturopaths focus on a wholistic approach, aiming to prevent illness through stress reduction and changes to diet and lifestyle.
What is an ND?
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A qualified naturopathic doctor must undergo rigorous training before becoming a licensed health-care practitioner. An N.D. doctorate program consists of four years of training in the standard basic medical sciences. In addition, courses in core naturopathic modalities of treatment include: clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy, botanical medicine, psychology, and lifestyle counseling. Upon completion of the program, naturopathic doctors undergo standardized board examinations. They can treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family health care. Healing is encouraged through patient education and the rational use of natural therapeutics. While naturopathic doctors can choose to perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds, they do not practice major surgery.
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It is the naturopathic doctor's role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping individuals to self-examine, so as to create healing in both the internal and external environment. Naturopathic doctors combine the wisdom of nature with modern science. Though they are trained to utilize prescription drugs, their emphasis is mainly via naturopathic medicine; utilizing mainly natural healing agents.
Naturopathic Principles
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Prevention: Naturopathic doctors emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, such as heredity, environment, habits and immune susceptibility. They encourage appropriate solutions in partnership with their patients to prevent further illness.
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First Do No Harm: Naturopathic doctors follow these guidelines to avoid harming the patient: (1) Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects. (2) Use the least force necessary to diagnose and treat. (3) Avoid the harmful suppression of symptoms. (4) Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual's self-healing process.
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Identify and Treat the Causes: Naturopathic doctors seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
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The Healing Power of Nature: Naturopathic doctors recognizes an inherent self-healing body process that is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles in order to facilitate and augment the self-healing process.
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Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic doctors treat patients by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. This also includes spiritual health and development.
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Doctor as Teacher: Naturopathic doctors educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They recognize the therapeutic potential of a nurtured doctor-patient relationship.
Why Choose an ND?
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For each individual, the healing of a chronic illness or disease is a very personal journey, solely unique to that individual. As a result, many individuals have started on their own path, (and often without their physician's approval), to seek alternative therapists and natural remedies for the relief of their symptoms. When an illness becomes the main focus of one's life, what kind of a quality life is there?
As more and more individuals join the path of taking responsibility for their own health via exercise, reducing stress, eliminating EMF exposure and using Earth-based products; a natural acceptance of the philosophy and principles of Naturopathic Medicine has birthed and taken hold. A Naturopathic doctor can offer a wider perspective of available healing modalities, and a more wholistic view of a person's illness; enabling that individual to choose from an array of healing options not offered by the Allopathic Medicine industry.
“Naturopathic Doctors address the underlying cause and progress from there.”
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Your Health is an Investment - Not an Expense
