Traditional Naturopathy VS Naturopathic Medicine
#1) Traditional Naturopathy: “Naturopathy is a philosophy which encompasses a view of life, a model for living a full life. The word naturopathy is a Latin-Greek hybrid which can be defined as ‘being close to or benefiting from nature.’” – Stewart Mitchell, Naturopathy: Understanding the Healing Power of Nature
A traditional naturopath specializes in wellness. They teach patients/clients how applying natural lifestyle approaches can act to facilitate the body’s own natural healing and health building potential. The traditional naturopath does not medically undertake to “diagnose” or “treat diseases,” nor by traditional definition DO NOT use surgery, drugs, or other harsh, or invasive methodology in their consulting. But, rather recognizes that the majority of chronic sub-health conditions are cumulative lifestyle effects, and that the underlying cause of what we call “disease” (or, “dis-ease”) is a combination of improper eating, unhealthy habits, and environmental factors which cause biological imbalances leading to a weakening of the bodies’ natural defenses (immune system) and subsequent breakdown in health. The main goal is to restore homeostasis within the body by finding root causes and addressing them; so the body can facilitate it’s own natural healing to regain balance/homeostasis. Traditional Naturopaths guide and teach their patient/client in natural health approaches such as fasting and detoxification, dietary wellness, the use of herbs & homeopathy, aromatherapy, exercise, rest, sunshine, and many other natural health modalities.
There are limited colleges /universities qualified, accredited, reputable, and legitimate to issue Traditional Naturopathic degrees, however, there are several that “claim” they are qualified. My advice is to look at the schools history, credentials, accrediting bodies and board certifications and then call the schools and all of the places they “state they are through/affiliated with.” There are only a small percentage that are true schools and issue real degrees and credentials. However, with the education, credentials and degrees you still have to receive board certification…there are only a handful legally able to offer really board certification /accreditation. For more information on why board certification is necessary visit: http://m.anmcb.org/site/information.html
A few examples of what True Traditional Naturopathic Doctors do:
- Provides education on herbs, homeopathy, therapeutic oils, and other natural substances
- Assists with stress relief with mind body therapies
- Promotes health with bodywork therapies
- Teaches benefits of healthy lifestyle
- Counsels on nutrition, historic remedies and lifestyle
- Uses non-invasive practice, procedures, and philosophy
- Evaluates subtle energies
- Uses Iridology, muscle testing, bio-energy evaluation, oriental pulse, skin, and abdominal energy evaluations
- Looks for and treats the underlying cause of ailments
- Focuses on healing organ systems and strengthening the constitution
- Researches a case to determine the imbalances of the systems
- Treats imbalances of the systems thereby treating symptoms
- Uses theories from the orient and Europe in their assessment
- Uses a preventative approach to health care
- Complements conventional medical care
This is some of what Traditional Naturopathic Medicine Doctors do.
Modern Naturopathic Medicine Doctors/Physicians are very similar to MD’s & D.O.’s but without the traditional medical license -however they do obtain a NPLEX; which is true verification of a REAL Naturopathic Doctor /Physician. Modern Naturopathic Medicine is only accredited if they are graduates from schools listed at http://www.aanmc.org & http://www.ancb.net
These examples are why the AANMC states the above: A Modern Naturopathic Medicine Physician/Doctor:
- Performs surgery
- Prescribes drugs
- Treats symptoms
- Uses invasive procedures
- Diagnoses and treats illness based upon conventional medical theories
- Aspires to become primary care physician — with shorter training than Medical Doctors, and are Not acknowledged by AMA
- Uses many allopathic diagnostic procedures including X-rays and electrocardiograms with only outpatient clinical training, which has less training than conventional medical programs
- Practices obstetrics including episiotomies without the extensive training required by medical doctors practicing obstetrics
- Practices Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Rheumatology without receiving post-graduate work as interns and residents.
- Is a system developed from traditional/true naturopathy but augmented, thereby interjecting portions of conventional medical techniques, as a result losing the original form of traditional naturopathy practice
- Competes with conventional medical doctor’s care
Conclusion:
Modern Naturopathic Doctors and physicians seek the status of primary care physicians through licensure, and they mix naturopathic and allopathic medicine, without sufficient medical training, hospital experience, or trauma education.
Modern Naturopathic Doctors, physicians advocate diagnostic care, while traditional naturopaths/natural medicine (DNM/RNP), Doctors of Natural Medicine/Registered Naturotherapy Practitioners) emphasize healthy lifestyle choices and wellness care.
However, Traditional Naturopaths believe Naturopathic Medicine is not true Naturopathy. It is argued by many, that the goals and philosophies of Naturopathic Medical Schools violate the basic core of Naturopathic Philosophy by engaging in conventional medical practices without acquiring a medical license. Many states do not accept Naturopathic Doctors/Physicians unless they obtain a license, which is determined by the requirements of the states laws.
