Doctor of Naturopathy

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a traditional method of healing that can encompass many different techniques beyond herbal remedies, such as:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Counseling
• Environmental medicine
• Homeopathy
• Massage/Chiropractic
• Nutritional education

The roots of naturopathy are found in the ancient Indian traditions of Ayurveda and natural healing techniques that were used in Europe before the development of pharmaceuticals.

Some trace the roots of homeopathy all the way back to Hippocrates, but many see the widespread development of naturopathy as happening in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Though naturopathy became somewhat less popular as "conventional" treatments were developed through modern medicine, there has always been a place for naturopathy for those seeking alternative and less harsh methods of treating or preventing diseases.

What is a Doctor of Naturopathy?

A doctor of naturopathy is someone who has studied naturopathy at an accredited institution. One of the first and most well-known of these schools is the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon.

This school provides a four-year degree program in naturopatic medicine or classical Chinese medicine. It is designed to create holistic primary care physicians who have studied anatomy, disease and diagnosis and organs systems just like a traditional doctor of medicine would, but with an emphasis on herbs, nutrition, homeopathy and other holistic treatments.

Some states require a license for naturopathic doctors. This requires them to provide evidence that they have gone through a degree program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Evaluation.

There are five such accredited programs:

• Bastyr University
• Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
• National College of Natural Medicine
• Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences
• University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine

Finding a Naturopath

Finding a good naturopathic doctor can be difficult, depending on where you live. Checking with the individual schools on the list above is a good way to find naturopaths who have been properly trained. Most sites have a "find an ND" section that will allow you to search for people in your city or state.

Another good place to look is the "find a doctor" listings at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. You can also simply check your local phone book for alternative medicine practitioners.

Choosing a naturopathic doctor is a lot like choosing a conventional doctor. Find out where the person got his or her degree, how much experience outside of school he or she has, and why he or she is passionate about naturopathy. You might ask the doctor an initial question about something you already understand to see if he or she talks down to you or doesn't take the time to explain things.

Picking a doctor has as much to do with getting along with them and liking their style as it does with the diploma on the wall.

Other Naturopathy Programs

There are many other doctor of naturopathy programs that are not accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Evaluation. This doesn't mean that doctors who didn't go to accredited institutions didn't learn anything or that they got their degree through a diploma mill. What it does mean is that they can't be licensed in states with licensing programs, and that you should do some homework before working with them.

Check out the degree program they worked through online. Many of these programs are distance learning situations that might not actually involve much patient interaction. If that's the case, make sure the person in question has some experience working with patients.

As with any medical situation, you are your own best advocate when it comes to choosing a naturopathic doctor. Get recommendations and references and shop around as much as possible before making your final choice.