By Dr Kat Halloran, ND
Natural Medicine dates back to before recorded history. It is also considered “new” and “alternative”. Naturopathic Physicians use gentle low force healing techniques to assist the body in healing itself. Our bodies are very wise and have an innate, inherent ability to self correct when given the opportunity and support. Some of these gentle healing therapies include the simplest and most profound needs including: clean pure water, fresh air, sunshine, bodywork, nutrition, organic whole foods, herbal botanical medicines, vitamins, hydrotherapy, movement therapy, energy medicine, counseling, love and compassion.
Naturopathic Medicine as a system has its roots in the healing spas of Europe several hundred years ago. Today in the USA and Canada, Naturopathic Physicians (ND’s) are licensed healthcare practitioners acting as Primary Care or Family Doctors. ND’s, Naturopathic Doctors are trained in modern accredited medical schools and learn all the basic and clinical medical sciences like Physiology, Bio-Chemistry, Gross Anatomy, Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dermatology, Pharmacology, Minor Surgery etc... In addition to a traditional medical school training, ND’s also specialize in natural therapies including Botanical Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Nutrition, Hydrotherapy, Exercise Therapy, Psychological Counseling, Massage, Physical Medicine, Naturopathic Manipulation (similar to Chiropractic techniques), Energy Therapies, Craniosacral Therapy and more. ND’s must pass a National Board Exam thru NABNE, required for licensure and then apply to their respective state health department for a license to practice medicine. The ND license is similar to and different from the MD or DO license to practice medicine.
Naturopathic Physician’s have a large and varied toolbox to assist the body in healing itself. They are trained in medical diagnosis and are skilled in using laboratory testing, imaging, xrays, MRI, CT, EKG and other modern technology to aid diagnosis of illness. They can prescribe pharmaceuticals when necessary, yet this is not a frontline therapy. The key in healing the body is to decipher the true cause of illness so that balance can be restored. This is the primary difference between the philosophy of ND’s vs. other mainstream medical practitioners. ND’s treat the cause of illness vs. treating body symptoms. If you think about the many causes of a headache; it’s most likely not an “aspirin deficiency”. ND’s ask why is this happening and how can we nurture balance and healing.
You can learn more about accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in North America and the process of finding a licensed fully trained and board certified Naturopathic Physician by going to the AANP website at www.Naturopathic.org. The AANP is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and they work closely with governing bodies that train and license Naturopathic Physicians in 14 states in the U.S. (not all states are licensed yet, but will be with continued legislative efforts over the next decade). The AANP collaborates with and helps guide the NCCAM, National Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, overseen by the NIH National Institutes of Health and the US Congress.
© Dr Kathleen A Halloran, ND
Natural Medicine dates back to before recorded history. It is also considered “new” and “alternative”. Naturopathic Physicians use gentle low force healing techniques to assist the body in healing itself. Our bodies are very wise and have an innate, inherent ability to self correct when given the opportunity and support. Some of these gentle healing therapies include the simplest and most profound needs including: clean pure water, fresh air, sunshine, bodywork, nutrition, organic whole foods, herbal botanical medicines, vitamins, hydrotherapy, movement therapy, energy medicine, counseling, love and compassion.
Naturopathic Medicine as a system has its roots in the healing spas of Europe several hundred years ago. Today in the USA and Canada, Naturopathic Physicians (ND’s) are licensed healthcare practitioners acting as Primary Care or Family Doctors. ND’s, Naturopathic Doctors are trained in modern accredited medical schools and learn all the basic and clinical medical sciences like Physiology, Bio-Chemistry, Gross Anatomy, Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dermatology, Pharmacology, Minor Surgery etc... In addition to a traditional medical school training, ND’s also specialize in natural therapies including Botanical Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Nutrition, Hydrotherapy, Exercise Therapy, Psychological Counseling, Massage, Physical Medicine, Naturopathic Manipulation (similar to Chiropractic techniques), Energy Therapies, Craniosacral Therapy and more. ND’s must pass a National Board Exam thru NABNE, required for licensure and then apply to their respective state health department for a license to practice medicine. The ND license is similar to and different from the MD or DO license to practice medicine.
Naturopathic Physician’s have a large and varied toolbox to assist the body in healing itself. They are trained in medical diagnosis and are skilled in using laboratory testing, imaging, xrays, MRI, CT, EKG and other modern technology to aid diagnosis of illness. They can prescribe pharmaceuticals when necessary, yet this is not a frontline therapy. The key in healing the body is to decipher the true cause of illness so that balance can be restored. This is the primary difference between the philosophy of ND’s vs. other mainstream medical practitioners. ND’s treat the cause of illness vs. treating body symptoms. If you think about the many causes of a headache; it’s most likely not an “aspirin deficiency”. ND’s ask why is this happening and how can we nurture balance and healing.
You can learn more about accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in North America and the process of finding a licensed fully trained and board certified Naturopathic Physician by going to the AANP website at www.Naturopathic.org. The AANP is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and they work closely with governing bodies that train and license Naturopathic Physicians in 14 states in the U.S. (not all states are licensed yet, but will be with continued legislative efforts over the next decade). The AANP collaborates with and helps guide the NCCAM, National Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, overseen by the NIH National Institutes of Health and the US Congress.
© Dr Kathleen A Halloran, ND
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
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