NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Overview
Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of health care - an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. Naturopathic Medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based. These principles are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances. The techniques of Naturopathic Medicine include modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
The Healing Power of Nature
Naturopathic Medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in a person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic Physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
Identify and Treat the Causes
The Naturopathic Physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm
Naturopathic Physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
- Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects
- Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms
- Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual's self-healing power.
Doctor as Teacher
Naturopathic Physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic Physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, Naturopathic Physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
Prevention
Naturopathic Physicians emphasize the prevention of disease-assessing risk factors, hereditary and susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness. Naturopathic Medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
Practice of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Methods
Naturopathic Medicine is defined by its principles. Methods and modalities are selected and applied based upon these principles in relationship to the individual needs of each patient. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods are selected from various sources and systems, and will continue to evolve with the progress of knowledge. The correct, rational use of Naturopathic Medicine will complement, rather than conflict with conventional medical treatment. Naturopathic Physicians will primarily utilize the following methods to enhance a patient's health:
- 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. Naturopathic doctors may also use specific diets, fasting, and cleanses when appropriate. Many health conditions can be treated more effectively with nutrition and nutritional supplements than they can by other means such as pharmaceutical drugs and surgery, with fewer complications and side effects.
- Botanical Medicine: Many plant substances are powerful medicines. Where isolated chemically derived drugs may address only a single problem, botanical medicines are able to address a variety of problems simultaneously. When properly utilized, most botanical medicines can be be applied effectively with minimal likelihood of side effects. Naturopathic doctors are extensively trained as to the safe use of a botanical medicine, administered in the form of a tea or in supplement form, for their potent healing effects.
- Physical Medicine: Naturopathic Medicine includes several methods of therapy for improving musculoskeletal health. Naturopathic doctors employ methods including therapeutic exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy and the therapeutic use of heat and cold.
- Mind/Body Medicine: Lifestyle counseling and stress management are critical methods for healing as mental attitudes and emotional stress may influence or even cause physical illness. Naturopathic doctors are trained to discuss and recognize the effect of stress as manifested in a person's overall health. They also attend to environmental and lifestyle factors that affect a person's health.
Scope of Naturopathic Practice
Naturopathic Physicians are required to graduate from an accredited four-year residential naturopathic medical school and pass an extensive post-doctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license. Licensed Naturopathic Physicians must fulfill state-mandated continuing education requirements annually and will have a specific scope of practice defined by their state's law.
Currently, there are licensing or registration laws for Naturopathic Physicians in 23 US states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. In the states and territories where naturopathic medicine is regulated, naturopathic practice may include the following diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic physical medicine including naturopathic manipulative therapy, public health measures and hygiene, counseling, minor surgery, acupuncture, intravenous and injection therapy and appropriate methods of laboratory and clinical diagnosis. The specific scope of naturopathic practice varies by state.
Dr. Lavergne is licensed as a Naturopathic Physician in the state of Vermont. Unfortunately, in the state of New York Naturopathic Medicine is not regulated. In unregulated states such as New York, a Naturopathic doctor such as Dr. Lavergne acts as a health consultant providing suggestions using appropriate naturopathic modalities to enhance a person's health. There is no diagnosis or naturopathic treatment of any medical condition or disease performed in these unregulated states. The services provided by naturopathic doctors in New York are not meant to replace or be a substitute for those of a licensed physician.
For more information on Naturopathic Medicine, see the website for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at www.naturopathic.org
