Naturopathy is an increasingly popular form of alternative medicine. It is practiced at four-year, accredited naturopathic medical schools across the United States and Canada.

NDs believe that the body has an inherent healing ability. They use treatment methods that encourage patient participation and aim to address the cause of disease rather than managing symptoms. Contact Dr. Anne Berkeley PLLC now!

Naturopathy is a broad system of natural healing which is based on the principle that health comes from within and that each person has an inherent, ordered, intelligent and self-repairing process. The naturopathic physician supports the patient in their journey to a state of wellness, which is defined as a condition of total and optimal health characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. This health is achieved through the establishment and maintenance of a balanced internal and external environment.

Early naturopaths believed that the same vital force that makes up the universe and nature flowed through every living thing, including man. They believed that illness arose from disconnection from this force, which could be restored through rest, diet, water treatments, sunshine and touch. They also viewed the body as a whole, composed of many interdependent parts. A healthy mind, body and spirit were believed to be a direct result of healthy physical and environmental conditions.

Benedict Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in 1901, which incorporated all branches of natural cure. He was a student of Father Kneipp and brought hydrotherapy to America. He also studied osteopathic medicine and earned a degree in medicine. The School was granted a New York charter in 1905 and conferred Lust the title of Doctor of Naturopathy.

The School grew to become the National University of Naturopathy and eventually became part of the United States University System in the 1970s. It has since quadrupled its enrollment to more than 4,000 students. Today, naturopathy is on the rise in response to a growing public desire for an active role in their health and a return to the roots of healing.

Like functional medicine, naturopathy has a holistic approach that embraces the mind, body and spirit. It integrates knowledge and techniques from various disciplines, such as nutrition, exercise, herbal therapy, homeopathy and more. It also recognizes and respects scientific research and utilizes evidence-based practices to ensure that patients are getting the highest quality of care possible. Both naturopathy and functional medicine are committed to empowering their patients by providing education, tools for self-care, and strategies to help them overcome the obstacles that stand in their way of reaching a state of wellness.

Naturopathic Principles

NDs are guided by six core principles that are applied in the clinical decision-making process of naturopathic patient care. These core standards focus on the body’s natural ability to heal and restore health, rather than treating disease or symptoms. These central concepts include:

Primum non nocere – First do not harm

The Hippocratic Oath states, “First, do no harm.” As naturopaths (NDs) we take this seriously and seek to first use methods and medicines that are as natural and as gentle as possible before resorting to more invasive treatments such as pharmaceutical medications or surgery. This includes addressing the underlying causes of disease to prevent recurrence and to promote healing.

Treat the Whole Person

People develop illness due to a combination of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Naturopathic doctors consider these factors in diagnosis and treatment of each patient, and recognize the individual is unique and requires a personalized approach. The naturopathic principle of treating the whole person also encompasses prevention of disease and encourages a healthy environment.

Tolle causam – Treat the cause, not the effect

Symptoms are valuable clues to the underlying causes of disease. Naturopaths are trained to identify and remove these underlying causes, as opposed to simply eliminating or suppressing symptoms. In addition, naturopaths strive to understand and respect the symptoms of the individual, and work with them as they go through their healing process.

Naturopaths are also trained to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and remedies. They are not afraid to admit that a remedy is not effective or that they have been wrong in the past. They are constantly learning and upgrading their skills to deliver the best naturopathic care to patients.

The naturopathic philosophy is rooted in the belief that human beings are fundamentally good and have an innate tendency toward health and wellness. By evoking the innate healing power of the individual and encouraging self-responsibility for health, naturopathy is a truly holistic approach to medicine. Holistic medicine used to be a more popular term, but naturopathy goes further by incorporating mental and emotional health as well as genetic, environmental and social health.

Naturopathic Treatments

Naturopathy treats the whole person, taking all factors into consideration – physical, emotional, dietary, environmental and genetic. A naturopathic physician seeks to eliminate symptoms, prevent disease and promote well-being by using natural substances such as fresh air, sunlight, healthy diet, exercise, homeopathy and spinal manipulation. A naturopathic doctor may also prescribe medications or perform minor surgeries under the licenses of specific jurisdictions, which vary by state.

Naturopathic medicine teaches the body to heal itself through stimulating and strengthening its innate abilities. Naturopathic doctors use modalities like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, endocrine balancing, mind-body medicine and acupuncture to restore health. They also employ the use of physical modalities like massage therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and cranio-sacral therapy to improve and maintain the skeletal system.

Symptoms are often the expression of the body’s attempt to overcome pathology and return to a state of health. As a result, naturopathic physicians look to minimize the use of medications and synthetic substances that add to toxicity or stress the body. In the case of severe illness or injury, naturopathic doctors may, however, utilize effective natural substances that are unlikely to cause toxic burden in order to restrain pathological symptoms in the interest of patient comfort and safety until the underlying causes of the problem have been addressed.

A naturopathic diet emphasizes healthy foods and avoids those that are processed, refined or chemically enhanced. NDs work with patients to establish a nutritious eating plan that meets each individual’s unique needs and nutritional deficiencies.

A naturopathic therapist can help detoxify the body through seasonal cleansing, naturopathic hydrotherapy and dietary changes. The goal is to remove from the body any toxins that have built up over time due to exposure to pesticides, pharmaceutical drugs, food additives or metals. These contaminants can contribute to fatigue, pain, weakened immune systems, gastrointestinal issues and a host of other symptoms. Treatments for environmental toxicity include herbs, vitamins and minerals that can stimulate the body’s natural cleansing mechanisms. A naturopathic doctor can also offer guidance on detoxification protocols, including the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical products that are appropriate for specific conditions.

Naturopathic Practitioners

Naturopathic Doctors are able to treat a wide range of ailments. This broad scope is what makes this a popular alternative to traditional medicine. Patients are often seen with issues such as skin care, weight loss, allergies, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, menstrual problems, pain management and gastrointestinal disorders to name a few.

NDs identify and treat the root cause of illness. They believe that if the body is given proper guidance and tools it can restore itself to optimal health. They follow the principle of First Do No Harm, which means they begin treatment with minimal intervention. They also recognize that individualized treatment is necessary. NDs also believe in the Physician as Teacher, where they educate their patients and involve them in the healing process.

Naturopathy has its roots in the belief that man is part of nature and the universe. Early naturopaths believed that the same vital force that made up the universe and nature flowed through mankind and was the source of our health. They believed that when this vital force was dislocated from the individual, disease and illness occurred. This was caused by improper diet, water or mineral treatments and by stress or environmental factors. Naturopathy seeks to reconnect the patient with this vital force through a series of treatment plans that promote balance and harmony in all areas of a person’s life.

Once a practitioner has earned their naturopathic degree they must pass the National Board Certification Exam to become a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND). Once an ND is licensed, they must continue their education and remain within their state’s guidelines for practicing naturopathy.

Those who wish to become an ND should consider a degree program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). This organization ensures that schools are offering a standards-based education and combines traditional natural health knowledge with modern medical training. Only graduates from CNME accredited schools can practice in the United States or Canada.

It is a good idea for future naturopathic doctors to join professional associations once they have completed their degree programs. These associations provide the opportunity to learn about current research and legislation that affects naturopathic medicine. They are also a great way to meet fellow professionals and make connections that will help them in their career path.