So many of our clients that are new are also new to the idea of “Naturopathy” and really don’t know what a Naturopathic Doctor is. At times their family members or friends might question their choice of “natural” solutions. So let me try to simply explain what a Naturopathic Doctor is and what they do…
Traditional Naturopathic “doctors”/consultants (equivalent to a PhD.; definition of “doctor” = teacher) are trained specialists in a separate and distinct healing art which uses non-invasive natural methods. They are not orthodox medical doctors (MD; allopathic). Naturopathic “doctors” (ND’s) are trained in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, counseling, dietary evaluations, nutrition, herbology, acupressure, muscle relaxation, iridology, assists, natural hormones, etc.
In practice, Naturopathic consultants perform lifestyle analysis, nutritional assessments, metabolic analysis and other evaluative procedures. They are trained to use a wide variety of natural methods which involve the individual in the healing process. Naturopathy is based upon a belief in the body’s innate God-given natural ability to heal itself when given an appropriate internal and external healing environment.
Traditional Naturopaths are not involved in the practice of medicine and do not use drugs or pharmaceuticals, nor do they perform surgeries of any type. They have traditionally for hundreds of years been referred to as “drugless doctors”. In fact hundred of years ago ALL “doctors” were “drugless doctors” as we didn’t have pharmaceutical companies selling and patenting unnatural chemicals. In reality, Naturopathy deals with wellness and relief from conditions which are the result of stress, whether from mental, nutritional, physical or environmental factors.
We follow a code of 7 basic principles:
1. Do no harm;
2. Recognize the healing power of nature;
3. Identify the cause;
4. Involve the whole person;
5. Teach rather than treat;
6. Identify the source;
7. Prevent the disease
When you consult a Naturopathic “doctor”/consultant for counsel, you will find a person committed to the holistic approach to health. Many times a Naturopath in doing personalized evaluative procedures may unearth causes that traditional medicine has overlooked.
An ethical Naturopath would work in conjunction with you and your medical doctor to help you truly achieve good health. A traditional Naturopathic “doctor”/consultant would also understand that there can be many unsafe interactions between pharmaceutical drugs and natural substances such as herbs and vitamins and work with you to alleviate that from happening. Many times natural substances can be found that can take the place of some pharmaceutical drugs if the client wishes to do so. The key is cooperation and learning with all involved to assist YOU to heal.