Naturopathic Medicine

Are you interested in naturopathic medicine and wondering what it’s all about? Maybe you’re thinking about incorporating it into your healthcare routine?

Well, you aren’t alone because naturopathic medicine is growing! In 2019, there were 4.49 million people in the naturopathic medicine industry, with growth rates of 4.83 percent!

Alternative medicine has so many benefits to your health! And putting it into your daily routine can help you achieve optimal health.

Do you have questions about naturopathic medicine’s legitimacy? Or wonder how effective it really is? Then keep reading to learn about its history and benefits!

Naturopathic Family Medicine

Naturopathic medicine dates back to the 1600s. European doctors used herbal and traditional medicine to treat illness. The first school of naturopathy was the American School of Naturopathy in New York. This school was founded by Dr. Benedict Lust.

Naturopathic medicine uses and studies the healing powers of nature. Naturopathic medicine’s goal is to use natural treatment. As well as use the least invasive and toxic therapies as possible.

Naturopathic medicine views your body as a whole. It gives you the tools to live a life of wellness using your body’s wisdom.

Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

There are six principles of Naturopathic medicine that are used around the world:

First, you do no harm. The foundation of all medical practice is to help people as humans and the human condition. And to approach patient care in the most natural, least invasive way possible.

Next is to realize the healing power of nature. Naturopathic doctors use substances directly from nature and the environment to fight disease. They recognize your body’s wisdom to know how to heal itself.

Then you have to identify and treat the causes. Improving symptoms is essential! But the most important thing is figuring out the underlying cause. Then you can move towards a cure.

Naturopathic medicine believes that your doctor is your teacher. Naturopathic doctors are on your team and aim to help you better understand how to stay well. The belief is a relationship based on trust will lead to improved health.

You have to treat the whole person! Naturopathy understands how connected our body is with our environment and lifestyle. The only way you can restore this connection is through a balanced approach.

Finally, naturopathy believes that the prevention of illness and suffering is the key. If you stay balanced and understand your body’s healing powers, you will be more able to get well and stay well.

Naturopath vs. Functional Medicine

Functional medicine looks for the root cause of disease. Functional medicine encourages a partnership between you and your doctor. Functional medicine addresses you as a whole person, not just a box of symptoms.

Functional medicine was established in 1991 by Dr. Jeffrey Bland when he started the Institute of Functional Medicine. It has its own seven fundamental principles, which include:

  • Functional medicine is science-based medicine.
  • Functional medicine focuses on genetic and environmental differences
  • Functional medicine focuses on patient-centered care
  • Balances external and internal factors
  • Believes in interconnectedness
  • Health is positive and not just the absence of disease
  • Attempts to enhance your lifespan

Naturopathic and functional medicine are similar in the way they approach the treatment of the whole person. And not only their symptoms.

What sets these two apart is how they approach the healing power of nature. Naturopathic medicine practitioners support your body’s natural ability to heal itself. Naturopathic medicine is interested in your lifestyle and environment. And how that contributes to your health.

Functional medicine is more about germs, microbes, and getting rid of the disease. Functional medicine practitioners will perform more functional testing. They will order laboratory tests, X-rays, or CT scans to determine the root cause of what is making you sick.

Naturopathic Medicine Schools

Naturopathic school is a four-year graduate-level program designed to educate in medical science like an MD. But also, naturopathic medicine studies a holistic and nontoxic approach to medical therapies.

They teach a standard medical curriculum in a naturopathic medicine program, but you also learn clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, plant medicine, and psychology.

There are six accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America, and they are:

  • Bastyr University in San Diego, CA
  • Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine In Vancouver, Canada
  • Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Canada
  • The National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR
  • The National University of Health Sciences in Chicago, IL
  • Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health in Phoenix, AZ

The Naturopathic Medicine Institute is also a non-profit organization for leadership, clinical services, and post-graduate training for doctors.

People who are foreign-trained or already trained as another licensed health provider can also apply to Naturopathic school. To do this, you need to send your transcripts to have them evaluated.

North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners

Graduating from a four-year professional-level accredited naturopathic medical school program is only the beginning. Your next step is to take the Naturopathic Physicians licensing exam. This exam covers basic science, diagnostic tests, procedures, therapeutic, and clinical sciences.

The application periods open about three months before the examination. After that, you have to apply through the NABNE portal and pay the fees before taking the exam.

Naturopathic Medicine

Treat yourself to naturopathic medicine today! This way, you can feel much better tomorrow. Naturopathic medicine is an incredible way to enhance your health and life.

Naturopathic family medicine doctors are educated. Their knowledge will help you improve your body, mind, and spirit.

If you’re looking for naturopathic medicine in San Diego, then The Center for Health & Wellbeing is your solution.

Make sure you contact us today. Our professionals can get you moving towards health!