Naturopathic Medicine is an alternative form of health care where natural therapies are utilized to restore and optimize health. Naturopathic Doctor’s are trained experts in the field of natural medicine and treat a wide variety of health concerns and complaints. They are committed to identifying and treating the cause of disease rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment and view each person as a unique individual. The philosophical approach of naturopathic medicine includes disease prevention, patient education, and encouragement of the body’s natural ability to heal. Naturopathic medicine combines centuries old nontoxic therapy modalities with current advances in medical science and research.
Naturopathic Doctor’s (ND's) receive a four-year postgraduate level training at an accredited naturopathic medical school. Currently, there are four existing naturopathic colleges in the US, which are accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education, recognized by the US Department of Education. The four years of training consist of graduate level study in the medical sciences and clinical medicine; in addition to, training in naturopathic therapeutics, including clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, counseling, and body work. After graduation, ND's must pass a national board examination consisting of basic medical sciences as well as naturopathic modalities to become licensed doctors. Overall, Naturopathic Doctor’s have spent more than 1000 hours in teaching clinics at their medical school and have personally worked with more than 500 patients before graduating. To learn more about naturopathic medical program refer to www.ncnm.edu for more details.
Currently, 14 states, Washington, DC, and the US territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have licensing laws for Naturopathic Doctor’s. In these states, Naturopathic Doctor’s are required to graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical school and pass a national postdoctoral board examination before receiving their license. Currently, New York is not among these 14 states. However, the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP) requires its professional members to maintain a valid license from one of the licensing jurisdictions. Currently, licensing efforts are taking place in New York. For more information refer to www.nyanp.org or www.naturopathic.org.
Depending upon the individual and their health concern, Naturopathic Doctor’s have an array of tools to help the patient alleviate illness and achieve optimal health. Some of their therapies include: