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Naturopathic medicine is a distinct method of primary
health care - an art, science, philosophy and practice
of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of acute and
chronic illness. Naturopathic physicians seek to restore
and maintain optimum health by supporting their patients'
inherent self-healing process. This is accomplished
through education and the rational use of natural therapeutics,
such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, naturopathic
physical medicine, minor surgery, natural childbirth
and homeopathy.
The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree (N.D.) is
a four-year doctoral-level program, requiring a pre-med
undergrad program for admission. The first 2 years are
basic medical sciences: anatomy, cadaver dissection,
physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, physical
diagnosis, etc., and include introductory courses in
nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and oriental
medicine. The last 2 years are more clinically focused,
with course work in cardiology, oncology, obstetrics,
pediatrics, therapeutic nutrition, advanced courses
in botanicals, homeopathy, acupuncture, manipulation,
etc., and extensive clinical training focusing on direct
patient care in an outpatient setting.
Naturopathic medicine was established in 1900 and is
a system of medicine that incorporates many modalities
of treatment such as homeopathy, herbal and nutritional
medicine, lifestyle counseling, and detoxification programs.
It has been recognized by law in B.C. since 1935 as
a separate practice of medicine and has been incorporated
in the medical services plan since its inception until
stopped in 2002 by a new provincial government.
In BC, all naturopathic physicians are licensed by
the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia,
a self-regulating professional body. They have
to sit a provincial licensing board exam that has both
a practical and a theoretical component. This
is the same exam taken by their counterparts in the
USA.
In Canada, there are two recognized naturopathic medical
schools: The Canadian
College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and
the Boucher
Institute in New Westminster, BC, which is currently
undergoing an accreditation process. There are
four recognized naturopathic medical schools in the
U.S.: Bastyr University in Seattle, National College
of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Southwest College
of Naturopathic Medicine in Phoenix and the University
of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
Naturopathic medicine provides a safe, natural alternative
to conventional medicine. With the use of natural therapeutics,
nutritional counseling and lifestyle adjusting, most
acute and chronic illness can be addressed. Naturopathic
doctors take an extensive history and perform physical
examinations using standard diagnostic instruments and
laboratory tests. Additional information related to
lifestyle - including diet, emotions, stress, exercise,
and exposure to environmental hazards - may be requested.
Naturopathic Physicians are trained to treat and diagnose
disease and to refer to medical doctors when necessary.
Naturopathic Principles:
- The healing power of Nature
- First do no harm
- Identify and treat the cause of illness
- The Physician as teacher
- Treat the whole person
- Preventive lifestyle
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