Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of health care emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health.
Most NDs use a combination of mainstream and alternative medications while aiming to address the root cause of their patient’s issue. NDs can prescribe medications and even preform minor surgery in states where they are licensed.
Telehealth NDs or NDs who are practicing in a state where NDs are not yet licensed often focus on alternative modalities such as herbs, supplements, nutrition, homeopathics, physical medicine or manipulation, and a multitude of other holistic approaches.
6 Guiding Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
primum non nocere
First, do no harm
vis medicatrix naturae
Cooperate with the healing power of nature
tolle causam
Identify and treat the root cause
docere
Doctor as teacher
tolle totum
Treat the whole person
praevenire
Focus on prevention
Training & Accreditation
Naturopathic physicians must attend a 4 year accredited medical school following a bachelor’s degree. These programs include education in botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, hydrotherapy, pharmaceuticals, and mind-body medicine, as well as diagnostics, imaging, and laboratory interpretation.
During the last two years of school, NDs are required to do many hours of clinical rotations in addition to their schoolwork. Following graduation, naturopathic doctors must sit for and pass a rigorous board examination prior to becoming licensed NDs.
You can learn more about naturopathic licensure and qualifications at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians