Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the root cause of disease rather than just the symptoms. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) utilize a combination of natural therapies such as herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, lifestyle modifications, and physical medicine to help patients achieve optimal health.
NDs are trained in four year accredited naturopathic medical schools. The education includes anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, laboratory analysis, herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, physical manipulations, and pharmaceutical medicine. In addition to over 1200 hands on clinical hours completed during the four years, many NDs go on to complete 1-2 year residencies specializing in their areas of focus. As naturopathic doctors are licensed state by state, scope of practice varies depending on licensure specifics.
At the core of naturopathic medicine is the therapeutic order, a set of guidelines that NDs follow when treating patients. The therapeutic order emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of illness rather than just masking symptoms. By treating the root cause of disease rather than treating the symptoms, naturopathic medicine aims to promote long-term health and prevent future health problems.
The first step in the therapeutic order is to establish the foundation of health through lifestyle modifications. This includes addressing diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and other aspects of the patient's daily life that may be impacting their health. By focusing on lifestyle changes, NDs can help patients create a solid foundation for their overall health and well-being.
Once the foundation of health is established, the next steps in the therapeutic order involve supporting the body's natural healing processes through natural therapies such as herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and physical medicine techniques. These therapies are used to help the body restore balance and address any imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
In cases where more targeted interventions are needed, NDs may also use pharmaceutical medications or other conventional treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, the goal is always to use the least invasive and most natural treatments possible while still effectively addressing the underlying cause of disease.
Overall, naturopathic medicine offers a unique and effective approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the root cause of disease and empowering patients to take control of their own health. By following the therapeutic order and utilizing a combination of natural therapies, lifestyle modifications, and conventional treatments when necessary, NDs can help patients achieve optimal health and well-being. If you're looking for a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the root cause of disease, consider exploring the benefits of naturopathic medicine.
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