Naturopathic doctors receive 4 years of graduate level education. Students receive the same basic science education as in any medical school. This means all the anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical and lab diagnosis that medical doctors get. Over the final two years 1200 hours of hands on, clinic experience is required. In addition to the basic sciences and medical education naturopathic students learn various natural healing modalities.
However, what defines naturopathy is not simply using natural substances instead of drugs. The holistic philosophy and guiding principles of naturopathy are just as important.
The Six Principles Of Naturopathic Medicine
- The Healing Power of Nature
The body knows how to heal itself if we give it what it needs and remove obstacles to cure. - Identify and Treat the Causes
People want to heal and be healthy. Natural health should not be used to suppress symptoms.
In the long run that does not work. - First Do No Harm
The least invasive methods should be used first. - Doctor as Teacher
Whenever possible the patient should be taught how to take care of them self. - Treat the Whole Person
Everything in the body can effect everything else. - Prevention
By improving health, we can prevent disease.
I take the above very seriously. Many people just read websites to see if a practitioner treats whatever condition they have. But if you would like more information on holistic health philosophy, please see the following pages:
Traditional Herbal Medicine
Homotoxicology
In addition to the principles listed above, I have my own goals. Much is this is based on my own person experience seeing people in conventional and natural health. I don’t like being talked down to, or told to do things without explanation.
As a naturopathic doctor my job is to work with my client. I aim to treat my clients as if I would like to be if in their place.
- Everything you have to say will be listened to and considered.
- All your questions will be answered as fully and honestly as possible.
- No health concerns will ever be dismissed as irrelevant.
- You will not be talked down to or told something is all “in your head.”
- You will never be recommended anything without being told why.