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Naturopathic Medicine is a system of medicine which, at it's essential level, has the primary goal of removing the obstacles to healing in the least invasive, most effective way possible. Naturopathic medicine finds its’ roots in many ancient and modern healing arts - from traditional herbalism, nature cure and "bone-setting", to modern nutritional science, psychoneuroimmunology and genetic research. We are a progressive art, adopting the therapies and techniques that fit our philosophy and our patients, while leaving behind treatments that we learn to be ineffective or harmful. Naturopathic Physicians (N.D.s), therefore, are an eclectic group. We are trained in conventional biomedical disciplines such as neurology, gynecology, radiology, physical medicine, pediatrics, immunology, internal medicine and pharmacology but emphasize the use of herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, diet and exercise, spinal manipulation, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and counseling,. A given Naturopathic physician might use any one or combination of these therapies in his or her practice. To learn more about this topic, please follow the link below to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), our national organization.
Education There are currently 5 accredited schools in North America that provide training for Naturopathic Physicians. These are: National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR; Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences in Seattle, WA; Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ; Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, ONT; and Bridgeport University College of Naturopathic Medicine in Bridgeport, CT. These schools all offer 4-year post-graduate degrees in Naturopathic Medicine. Graduates of these institutions are qualified to sit for the national licensing exams, and are currently licensed to practice in 11 states (Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington), and have licensing laws pending in many others. Naturopathic Physicians are fundamentally educated as primary care family physicians with a specialty in natural healing. Naturopathic Physicians utilize the full range of medical and naturopathic therapies including appropriate referral to other health professionals, drug prescribing as needed, with an emphasis on prevention and treatment of acute and chronic disease in a holistic, integrated approach. There is post-doctorate education available in Natural Childbirth, Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine, Family Practice, Physical Medicine, IV Therapies, Herbal Pharmacology, Drug-Herb and Drug-Nutrient Interactions and a growing number of residencies are now beginning to provide other kinds of expanded education within the profession.
Modalities
Links to other Naturopathic sites
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