Why Choose Naturopathic Medicine?
Most Americans have been taught to look with a biased eye at alternative and complementary medical practice. From the few (but increasing) media reports about naturopathy and other health care professions, it’s easy to make misinformed assumptions. But 3D Health & Wellness is here to give you the facts about naturopathic medicine. We think you’ll find it’s a practical and effective option for improving and maintaining good health.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine stresses the importance of prevention, finding and treating the root cause of an illness, and treating the whole person. Its primary premise is that nature has provided the human body with an innate and powerful ability to heal and restore itself. As a result, naturopathic treatments are designed to stimulate those inherent abilities. Most treatments are natural and non-invasive; all are safe and continually re-examined in light of scientific advances. Naturopathic doctors can also prescribe many conventional medications and do so when appropriate for the patient.
What is a Naturopathic Physician?
Naturopathic practitioners earn a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree from a naturopathic medical college. The ND degree requires a minimum number of hours of supervised patient care in a clinical setting and extensive, graduate-level study in basic and clinical sciences, including:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Gynecology
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Natural therapeutics
- And more…
In order to become a licensed naturopathic physician, candidates must obtain a degree from a ND program accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education. They must also pass a national board examination and apply for licensure in a state or jurisdiction that licenses NDs.
How does a doctor of Naturopathic Medicine differ from a doctor of Conventional Medicine?
Naturopathic physicians generally differ from MDs in their approach to diagnosing and treating patients. After diagnosing a patient, an ND will take things a step further by comprehensively evaluating and assessing what the underlying causes of the illness are. The treatment recommended by the ND will then focus on removing those causes of the illness, rather than simply relieving or eliminating symptoms. NDs will also educate the patient on what they can do to prevent recurrences, encouraging them to take personal responsibility for maintaining their health.
Of course, this all takes time so another difference between MDs and NDs is the increased amount of time spent with the patient.