Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine has been a distinct American health care profession for over a hundred years.

In the late 1800s, practitioners from several medical disciplines combined to form the first Naturopathic professional societies.

By the early 20th century, more than 20 Naturopathic medical colleges had been founded in the US, and Naturopathic Doctors were licensed in a majority of states.

By the 1920s, Naturopathic medical conventions attracted more than 10,000 practitioners.

Naturopathic medicine experienced a decline in the middle of the 20th century with the rise of technological medicine, pharmaceutical drugs and the “quick fix” idea that drugs and surgery could eliminate all diseases.

Over the last three decades, however, a health conscious public has increasingly sought alternatives to conventional medical philosophy.  

The Naturopathic Physician

Naturopathic Doctors are trained in the following Medical Sciences:

Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year, graduate level medical schools with admissions requirements comparable to those of other medical schools. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree (N.M.D. or N.D.) is awarded after classroom, clinic and practical study.

In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the four years include course work and clinical training in natural therapeutics. This includes Homeopathy, Botanical Medicine, IV/Injection Therapy, Minor Surgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture, Physical Medicine and Hydrotherapy.

Naturopathic doctors must also pass National Board Exams required by the NABNE (North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners) for board certification. These National Board Exams include a one-day Basic Sciences Board Examination and a three-day Clinical Board Examination

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

A Naturopathic Doctor is a Primary Care Provider trained as a Specialist in Natural Medicine. The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine include:

The Healing Power of Nature. Naturopathic Doctors work to restore and support the body’s own healing abilities by using methods, medicines and techniques that are in harmony with natural processes.

Identify and Treat the Cause. Naturopathic Doctors seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of an illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.

First Do No Harm. Naturopathic Doctors utilize non-invasive treatments and therapies which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects.

Doctor as Teacher. Naturopathic Doctors educate their patients on preventative medicine and encourage them to take responsibility for their health.

Treat the Whole Person. Naturopathic Doctors treat the whole person by taking into consideration physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle and other factors.

Preventative Medicine. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize the prevention of disease, assessing risk factors, and making appropriate interventions with their patients to prevent illness.

Natural Therapies and Services

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: Stimulation of acupuncture points strengthening the energy of the body, reducing pain, and enhancing metabolic function.

Botanical Medicine: The use of scientifically standardized plant substances (herbs) as medicine. Quality herbs and correct dosage is essential for an effective result.

Clinical Nutrition: Using diet and nutritional supplements to maintain health and to treat illness.

Environmental Medicine: As we age, pollution in our environment accumulates in our body affecting the liver, kidneys and brain causing a wide variety of symptoms. Toxic exposures to mercury, plastic, chemicals, and air pollution can be identified with lab testing.

Homeopathy: Using a very dilute natural substance to enhance the body’s immune system to correct itself.

Lab Assessment and Evaluation: Labs are utilized as a tool to enhance prevention of a disease process and to treat an existing illness.

Lifestyle Counseling and Modification: Mental attitudes and emotional states can be an important element in healing an illness. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in counseling, nutritional balancing, and stress management.

Our Naturopathic Doctor in Olathe Kansas looks forward to teaching you how to stay healthy.