In a word, Naturopathy stands for the reconciling, harmonizing and unifying of nature, humanity and God. Fundamentally therapeutic because men need healing; elementally educational because men need teaching; ultimately inspirational because men need empowering, it encompasses the realm of human progress and destiny.
- Benedict Lust -
Naturopathy
is a therapeutic approach developed in the early 20th century by
Benedict Lust and some of his contemporaries. It combined a number of
existing natural therapy techniques and consolidated many of the doctors
practicing natural medicine at the time.
Today, Naturopathic Doctors receive medical training commensurate with
conventional medical doctors. Specifically, they must meet pre-medical requirements (the same as M.D.'s and D.O.'s) before acceptance into a 4 year Naturopathic medical school.
During the first 2 years of medical school Naturopathic candidates are trained in the basic and clinical sciences (e.g. pathology, gross anatomy, biochemistry, physical and clinical diagnosis, etc.). The curriculum is modeled after those of conventional medical schools. Students are instructed by same professors that teach or have taught at conventional medical schools.
The main difference lies in the therapeutics. Naturopathic physicians study a broad range of alternative healing approaches including clinical nutrition, therapeutic diets, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, hydrotherapy and counseling. Naturopathic doctors also
receive training in minor surgery and pharmacology. However, training in pharmaceutical medicine is not as extensive as that found in conventional medical school, since this isn't their preferred approach to treatment.
Naturopaths in Arizona
receive additional training and certification by the state medical board. Because of broader prescriptive rights, the state requires Naturopathic doctors demonstrate comprehensive competence in pharmaceutical prescribing in addition to passing the state's Naturopathic board of exams.
**Attention**
Naturopathic physicians are licensed in 14 states, as well as, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you live in
a state without licensing, anyone there can call themselves a
Naturopathic Doctor. These people typically purchase a degree
through the mail and have no formal medical education or training.
To ensure that your doctor has attended a 4 year post graduate medical
school you can visit the American
Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Here you can find
legitimate doctors who have graduated from an accredited 4 year medical
school.
If you are a supporter of Naturopathic medicine and you believe that the
citizens of all 50 states should have access to doctors specifically and
comprehensively trained in complementary and alternative medicine,
please visit the AANP to find
out how to support state licensure.
It is interesting to note that our biggest opponents are not the
American Medical Association, but rather, it's the untrained mail order
"naturopaths" that fight standards and licensing in the remaining
states. Unfortunately, they have more members and money than we do
and have been very successful blocking state licensure. However,
recent victories with the licensing of California and the District
of Columbia are tremendously encouraging. Your letters and support
can make a difference!
--M
