Seeing the World of Medicine Through a Different Lens
Naturopathic Medicine blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of healing (1) Historians have deduced that humanity's oldest civilizations created medical systems that relied primarily on the use of a healthy diet and botanicals. Interestingly, many modern day drugs are derived from various plant sources and Natural Medicine is being researched more for its potential in managing chronic diseases and even reversing disease in some cases. There are 6 fundamental principles that Naturopathic Doctors (ND) follow when treating patients (2)
Primum Non Nocere: First do no harm - ND’s first choose the least invasive and least toxic method of treatment and then progress as necessary.
Vis Medicatrix Naturae: The healing power of nature - ND’s acknowledge that the best doctor is the doctor within. The body inherently wants to be in a state of homeostasis (balance).
Tolle Causam: Identify and treat the root cause. The root cause will differ from person to person. Often, it’s lifestyle related; diet, stress management, sleep habits, exercise (or lack of), etc.
Docere: Doctor as teacher - To be a doctor is to be a teacher. To be a patient is to have patience. ND’s educate their patients to take responsibility over their own health and support them along their journey.
Tolle Totum: Treat the whole person - This concept recognizes that the body is very complicated, and its systems are interconnected. Naturopathic Medicine is a holistic form of treatment and addresses various faculties of health.
Praevenic: Prevention - ND’s promote a focus on health, wellness and disease prevention.
ND’s undergo a rigorous 4 year post graduate medical program where time is spent both in the classroom and in a clinic setting treating patients. There are two accredited schools in Canada. The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Westminster, BC and The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario (3). All accredited Naturopathic Medical schools require a minimum GPA, an undergraduate degree and prerequisite science classes such as chemistry, biology, and physiology (4)
ND’s are licensed professionals that are overseen by a professional body. In Ontario, ND’s are regulated under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). ND’s fall under the regulated health professionals act. This ensures that patients receive safe and quality healthcare services (4) This is very similar to other healthcare practitioners such as Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Dentists, Chiropractors, etc.
Depending on the jurisdiction, the modalities used by ND’s may vary. However, the basic treatment methods used by most ND’s include: Lifestyle Medicine (Stress management, Sleep, etc), Clinical Nutrition, Botanical (Herbal) Medicine, Nutraceuticals (supplements), Physical Medicine (including manipulation), Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture) and others (1) Some jurisdictions allow ND’s to prescribe conventional medicine, hormones and even do minor surgeries.
In Canada, there are accredited medical programs, standardized board exams and national standards of practice for ND’s (1)
Naturopathic Doctors excel in the areas of disease prevention, and chronic care but ND’s also get thorough training in diagnosing and treating disease.
It’s important to note that the title “Naturopath” is not a protected title and almost anyone that takes a weekend course can call themselves a Naturopath. However, a “Naturopathic Doctor” undergoes a rigorous 4 year post graduate medical degree.
I want to leave you with this quote: “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest their patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” (Thomas Edison). The future may finally have arrived.
References
- About Naturopathic Medicine - Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors [Internet]. [cited 2020 Jun 1]. Available from: https://www.cand.ca/about-naturopathic-medicine/
- Principles of Naturopathic Medicine | Boucher Naturopathic [Internet]. Boucher Naturopathic Medical Clinic. 2016 [cited 2020 Jun 1]. Available from: https://boucherclinic.org/blog/principles-of-naturopathic-medicine
- Approved Naturopathic Medical Schools [Internet]. The College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta. 2016 [cited 2020 Jun 1]. Available from: https://www.cnda.net/approved-naturopathic-schools
- Government of Ontario, Ministry of Health, Care L-T. 2009 Jan 31 [cited 2020 Jun 6]; Available from: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/