Definition of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care - an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles which underlie and determine its practice. These principles are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances. Methods used are consistent with these principles and are chosen upon the basis of patient individuality. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary health care practitioners, whose diverse techniques include modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods. 

Education of a Naturopathic Doctor
A Licensed naturopathic doctor (N.D.) attends a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D. but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic doctor is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic philosophy, psychology, and counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health). A naturopathic doctor takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practitioner.

The Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic doctors are specialty doctors who address the underlying cause of disease through effective, individualized natural therapies that integrate the healing powers of body, mind and spirit.

Naturopathic doctors are guided by six principles: First, Do No Harm; The Healing Power of Nature; Find the Cause; Treat the Whole Person; Preventive Medicine; and, Doctor as Teacher. This set of principles, emphasized throughout a naturopathic doctor's training, outlines the philosophy guiding the naturopathic approach to health and healing and forms the foundation of this distinct health care practice.

Naturopathic doctors are unique in providing diagnosis and treatment that bridges both conventional and natural medicine perspectives; they integrate scientific research with the healing powers of nature.

The goal of a naturopathic doctor is to employ therapies that support and promote the body's natural healing process, leading to the highest state of wellness.

As professional leaders and pioneers in science-based natural medicine, naturopathic doctors advocate the development of professional standards, accountability, and regulation of all forms of medicine in all jurisdictions to maintain public safety and freedom of choice in health care. Further, we support broad inclusion, collaboration and equal access in the health care system at all levels.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, in Washington, DC, is the national organization of the profession.

Practice Modalities

Naturopathic doctors combine and tailor these treatments to the needs of the individual in a way that acknowledges the patient as a participant.

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. In practice, naturopathic doctors perform physical examinations, laboratory testing, gynecological exams, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, and allergy testing.  Naturopathic Doctors are trained to refer to specialists when necessary.

Clinical Nutrition

Naturopathic doctors understand that what you eat is the basis for your health. Adopting a healthy diet is often the first step towards correcting health problems. Many medical conditions can be treated more effectively with foods and nutritional supplements than they can by other means, but with fewer complications and side effects. Naturopathic doctors may use specific individual diets, fasting, and nutritional supplements with their patients.

Botanical Medicine

Plants have powerful healing properties. Many pharmaceutical drugs have their origins in plant substances. Naturopathic doctors use plant substances for their healing effects and nutritional value.

Homeopathic Medicine

This gentle yet effective system of medicine is more than 200 years old and is based on the principle that 'Like cures Like'. Homeopathic medicines are very small doses of natural substances that can stimulate the body's self-healing response without side effects. Some conditions for which conventional medicine has no effective treatments will respond well to homeopathy.

Physical Medicine

Naturopathic medicine includes methods of therapeutic manipulation for muscles and bones. Naturopathic doctors also employ therapeutic exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, gentle electrical therapies, ultrasound, and heat and cold.

Lifestyle Counseling and Stress Management