History of Naturopathic Medicine
In the early part of the 20th century there were many naturopathic medical schools in the U.S. as well as thousands of naturopathic doctors (NDs), with thousands of patients seeking out naturopathic therapies around the country. However, by mid-century, the rise of technological medicine and the discovery and increased use of miracle drugs like antibiotics led to a temporary decline of naturopathic medicine and other methods of natural healing.
By the 1970's, the American public was becoming increasingly disenchanted with what had become conventional medicine. The profound clinical limitations and out-of-control costs were becoming obvious and people were finding that the side effects of prescription drugs often outweighed their benefits. Millions of Americans were inspired to look for options and alternatives. Naturopathy, along with other complementary and alternative medicines, entered a new era of attention in the United States.
Today, more people than ever are seeking naturopathic medical care. Naturopathic medical schools are growing at record rates to accommodate the increased demand for education. Presently, there are four accredited, four-year naturopathic medical programs and one pending accreditation in the United States. Two programs exist in Canada.
An independent accrediting agency, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), is the recognized authority for establishing and maintaining the educational standards of the profession. A nationally standardized licensing exam (NPLEX) has been established, which is used in nearly all of the states that currently license NDs, which include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Vermont. In addition, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and four Canadian provinces license NDs. In these jurisdictions, NDs practice as independent general practitioners, with the ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform physical exams, and order laboratory testing. In these states, many health care consumers specifically choose NDs as their primary care providers.
There is currently no regulation of NDs in Colorado. The Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors has been working to institute the regulation of NDs since submitting its first bill to the Colorado legislature in 1992. It will continue to support passage of a set of standards for the education and training of practitioners. Doing so will make naturopathy available to more people in Colorado, while at the same time protecting the public from incompetent individuals.
Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Vis Medicatrix Naturae: Harness the Healing Power of Nature
The naturopathic doctor works to restore and support the powerful and inherent healing abilities of the body, mind, and spirit. Naturopathic medicine harnesses the vast potential of the natural world to stimulate the process of healing and prevent further disease from occurring.
Primum Non Nocere: First Do No Harm
The naturopathic doctor chooses remedies and therapies that are safe and effective, to increase overall health and decrease harmful side effects.
Tolle Causam: Identify and Treat the Cause
The primary goal of the naturopathic physician is to determine and treat the underlying causes of illness, rather than simply managing symptoms.
Holism: Treat the Whole Person
Each person is unique and requires individualized care. In treating the cause of any condition, the naturopathic doctor takes into account, not only a person's physical symptoms, but also the person who has the symptoms. Disease affects the entire person, not just a specific organ or system. Thoughts, feelings, lifestyle, family history, environmental stresses, nutritional status, and general physical state are all carefully evaluated and addressed.
Docere: Educate
The naturopathic doctor helps people understand health and illness, and provides the tools to live in balance and become responsible for their own health.
Maintain Health and Wellness
The naturopathic doctor applies all of the above principles in a proactive form of prevention against the development of more serious chronic or degenerative diseases. Health is more than just the absence of disease. Optimum health entails daily functioning on the highest possible levels, and is characterized by positive emotions, thoughts and actions. The capacity for wellness is inherent in everyone.
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