Naturopathic medicine is a health-oriented system which stresses maintenance of health and prevention of disease.
The naturopathic physician is trained in finding the underlying cause rather than treating or suppressing the symptoms of disease. Naturopathic doctors don't wait for disease to progress before they institute appropriate preventive measures. Fundamental to the practice of naturopathy is a belief in the healing power of nature - when given the proper opportunity; the body has a profound and innate ability to heal itself. In keeping with this philosophy, naturopathic physicians are very careful to avoid suppressive practices which weaken the body or take over a bodily function. Needless to say, this philosophy has limits, and at times the body needs more than just supportive help.
The goal of the naturopathic doctor in such situations is to use the least invasive, least toxic and most supportive intervention that will provide the desired therapeutic effect. In the end, it is always the patient and his or her own body which does the healing - the doctor is merely a facilitator in the process. Key to success of naturopathic treatments is the high level of involvement of patients in their own healing process.
The philosophical roots of naturopathic medicine can be traced back to Hippocratic system of vitalism (400 BC). According to the vitalistic system, life is viewed as more than just the sum of myriad biochemical processes-- the body is believed to have an innate intelligence that is always striving for health. Vitalism maintains that the symptoms accompanying disease are not directly caused by the morbific agent such as bacteria. Rather, they are the result of the organism's intrinsic response or reaction to the agent and the organism's attempt to defend and heal itself. Symptoms are part of a constructive phenomenon that is the best choice the organism can make given the circumstances. In this construct, the role of the physician is to aid the body in its efforts, not to take over the functions of the body.
Naturopathic physicians are general family practitioners who utilize conventional diagnostic procedures such as physical exam, laboratory work, X-rays and referral to specialists when appropriate. We believe the human body is designed to heal. Our focus is on maintenance of health and prevention of illness rather than the treatment of disease. If disease treatment is necessary, we attempt to stimulate the body's self-healing mechanism with safe, natural, non-toxic, non-invasive materials and methods. We also believe that the essence of health is balance.
Like conventional physicians, naturopathic physicians are licensed doctors in many states in the country including California. We are trained and skilled in conventional medical sciences and technologies such as diagnosis, physical exams, lab tests, x-rays, pharmaceutical prescriptions. Unlike conventional physicians, we are also trained and licensed in the use of natural medicines and procedures which are noninvasive, non-toxic, safe and effective. As specialists in natural medicine, we are uniquely schooled to treat disease and restore health by using natural therapies such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, enzymes, glandulars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, food extracts, counseling and lifestyle modification, physical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and natural childbirth. The scope of diseases treatable with Naturopathic medicine has no limitations. Short term problems such as infections of the ear, throat, lungs, bladder, skin, etc. are successfully treated everyday by Naturopathic physicians. Even more important is the prevention of, relief from, and reversal of chronic, serious, degenerating or terminal illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cervical dysplasia, malignant diseases, pre-menstrual syndrome, chronic headaches, allergies, and many more.
What makes our therapies unique is not that they are natural, but rather the philosophy behind their use. If an antibiotic or surgery is the least invasive intervention that will have the desired therapeutic result, then they are consistent with the naturopathic philosophy. In contrast, botanical or nutritional therapies can be used in ways which are strictly allopathic (conventional). As a naturopathic physician I believe in the healing power of nature. I believe my job is to help nature do her job by removing the obstacles to healing, and by nourishing, stimulating, and strengthening the body's immune and repair systems. I believe you are more than your body - that mind, body and spirit are inextricably one, inseparable. If you are to achieve lasting and vital health, all aspects of your being need to be care for and loved.
As with all modern primary-care doctors, naturopathic physicians are trained in medical schools accredited by a council recognized by the United States Department of Education. The naturopathic physician earns the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) or (N.M.D.)upon graduating from a four year graduate-level medical school training program. To become licensed, we are then required to pass state or national board examinations, and our practices are subject to review by a state board of examiners.
The naturopathic medical student's first two years of college do not differ greatly from conventional medical school. They study basic medical sciences from standard medical textbooks. We also learn to use modern diagnostic and laboratory equipment, radiology, testing procedures, and prescription drugs. It is our last two years of training that set us apart us from conventional doctors. During this time, we learn the skills of a general family practitioner with a distinctive guiding philosophy based upon the following insights and principles. First, do no harm. Second, find the cause (just treating the symptoms is not enough). Third, use the healing power of nature. Fourth, treat the whole person. And fifth, use preventive medicine because the highest form of medicine is knowing how to stay healthy.
In practice, naturopathic physicians perform physical examinations and laboratory tests, and utilize X-rays and other diagnostic procedures similar to conventional doctors. We may also choose to perform nutritional, dietary, and digestive assessments, and inquire into the patient's mental and emotional well-being. The patient's diet, environment, exercise, stress and other aspects of lifestyle are also evaluated. And always, the patient is acknowledged as a participant in the healing process.
Choosing a naturopathic physician does not mean disavowing conventional medicine. What it does mean is that you are choosing a doctor who understands and combines the best of what all forms of medicine has to offer. ND's collaborate with all other branches of medicine, referring patients to appropriate specialists for their diagnosis or treatment whenever appropriate.
* Disclaimer: All information presented by Heartfelt Medicine is for educational purposes only. The articles or products are not intended to substitute for a consultation with Dr. Churchill. In case of medical questions or uncertainties, the reader is encouraged to seek the advice of Dr. Churchill.
