The naturopathic physician is defined by the U.S. Department of Labor as one who: “diagnoses, treats, and cares for patients, using a system of practice that bases its treatment of all physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural laws governing the body, utilizes physiological, psychological and mechanical methods, such as air, water, heat, earth, phytotherapy (treatment by use of plants), electrotherapy, physiotherapy, minor surgery, mechanotherapy, naturopathic corrections and manipulation, and all natural methods or modalities, together with natural medicines, natural processed foods, herbs, and natural remedies.
Excludes: major surgery, therapeutic use of x-ray and radium, and prescribing of drugs, except those substances containing elements or compounds which are compounds of body tissues and are physiologically compatible to body processes for maintenance of life.”
Classical Naturopathic Medicine is a comprehensive healthcare system that uses a wide range of traditional and modern treatments. Naturopathy concentrates on whole-patient wellness, centers around the patient, and emphasizes prevention and self-care. A naturopathic physician attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient's condition rather than focusing on symptomatic treatment.
Classical Naturopathic Medicine is a system of primary health care focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. It is dedicated to nature's healing powers and is distinguished by principles that underlie and determine its practice.
These six principles are: First Do No Harm, Treat the Whole Person, Identify and Treat the Causes, The Healing Power of Nature, Doctor as Teacher and Promoting Wellness.
Conventional (mainstream) or allopathic medicine, as it is sometimes referred to, generally treats symptoms with drugs. Allopathic medicine attempts to create a force opposite to the symptom. For example, a runny nose might be treated with a drug to dry the sinuses.
Natural medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness, centers around the patient, and emphasizes prevention and self-care. Classical Naturopathic Medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient's condition rather than focusing on symptomatic treatment. For example, a runny nose might be caused by a food allergy or environmental factor. Naturopathy blends centuries-old natural, nontoxic therapies with advances in the science of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.
These are the major therapies used and taught in some Naturopathic medical colleges.
*Ayurvedic Medicine: Some Naturopathic Physicians have a specialty in Ayurveda (the medicine of India), using pulse diagnosis, revitalization treatments, Ayurvedic botanical medicine and diet to achieve health.
*Botanical Medicine: Many plant substances are powerful medicines, effective and safe when used properly, in the right dose and in proper combinations with other herbs or treatments. Naturopathic physicians are licensed health care providers fully trained in the use of botanical medicine.
*Colon Therapy: Water and natural solutions are introduced into the colon to stimulate the body's detoxification process.
*Counseling: Counseling on diet, life-style, exercise, and occupational and environmental hazards is an integral part of the naturopathic treatment program.
*Diagnosis: Naturopathic physicians use many conventional diagnostic tools including a thorough health history, physical examinations, X-rays, and comprehensive laboratory tests when indicated.
*Homeopathy: This powerful system of medicine is based on the "law of similars" (like cures like). Specially prepared dilutions of substances are carefully matched with the patient to stimulate the body's innate ability to heal.
*Natural Childbirth
With certification: Some Naturopathic physicians have a specialty in midwifery, offering non-invasive prenatal care, natural un-medicated birth (usually at home), and postnatal care for mother and infant.
*Therapeutic Nutrition: Nutritional therapies have fewer complications and side effects than pharmaceutical drugs. Many conditions are treated successfully with nutrition alone. The therapeutic use of foods has always been a cornerstone of naturopathic medicine.
*Physical Medicine: Various physical therapies are used to treat the body including manipulation of the muscles, bones and spine. Heat and cold, gentle electric impulses, ultrasound, diathermy, hydrotherapy and exercise therapy are also used.