WHAT IS NATUROPATHY?

Naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems. It is a distinct health care profession that was formed in America in 1896 to train doctors to use a combination of the best natural healing methods available within a certain philosophical and principled framework. The practice covers all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.

A Naturopathic Physician (ND) is a primary care general practitioner trained as an expert in natural medicine. Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness. The medicine is tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient's condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.

What type of Treatment does a Naturopath offer?

Clinical Nutrition

is a cornerstone of naturopathic medicine. It refers to both the practice of using food to maintain health and the therapeutic use of food to treat illness.

Homeopathy

is a powerful system of medicine that is more than 200 years old. This medical system uses highly diluted substances to cure illness. These remedies act to enhance the body's innate immune response and rarely have side effects. Some conditions that do not respond well to conventional medicine will respond to homeopathic therapies.

Botanical Medicine

is the use of plants as medicine. Many plant substances are powerful medicines that are safe and effective when used properly. A resurgence of scientific research in Europe and Asia is demonstrating that some plant substances are superior to synthetic drugs in clinical conditions.

Oriental Medicine

includes acupuncture, acupressure, and oriental botanical medicine to treat disease.

Counseling and Stress Management

Mental attitudes and emotional states are important elements in healing illness. Naturopathic physician's training includes counseling, nutritional balancing, stress management, lifestyle change, and other methods.

Naturopathic Principles

  • Support the healing power of nature

  • Identify and treat the underlying cause of illness

  • Do no harm

  • Educate your patients about their health

  • Emphasize disease prevention

  • Treat the whole person in body, mind, spirit, and emotion

Want Even more information?

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

The AANP website provides extensive information about the profession, naturopathic medical schools in North America, an online directory to find licensed naturopathic doctors in the USA, national legislative action, and more. Visit www.naturopathic.org

The Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians

The MNANP website provides information about the profession, especially in Minnesota. The Directory allows for quick and easy access to the N.D.'s practicing in MN. Visit www.mnanp.org