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NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
 Philosophy
Naturopathic Medicine has been a distinct American health care profession for over 100 years. It is founded upon six principles which distinguish it from other fields of medicine:
The Healing Power of Nature
Vis Medicatrix Naturae
Natural healing mechanisms in the body and mind act to
maintain and restore health. Naturopathic physicians (NDs) work to support these inherent healing systems using natural
medicines and techniques that are in harmony with natural
healing processes.
Treat the Whole Person
In Perturbo Animo Sicut In Corpore Sanitas Esse Non Potest
Any imbalance in body, mind or spirit affects the entire
person. Health and disease result from complex interactions
of physical, mental, emotional, genetic, social, environmental
and lifestyle factors. NDs take all of these factors into
account when treating the whole person.
First Do No Harm
Primum Non Nocere
Naturopathic physicians use the least invasive treatments
to minimize risks of harmful side effects. They are trained to
know which patients they can treat safely and when to refer
to other health care providers.
Identify and Treat the Cause
Tolle Causam
Every illness has an underlying cause. NDs are trained to find
and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than
suppress symptoms.
Doctor as Teacher
Docere
Naturopathic physicians educate their patients about their
health and encourage self-responsibility in their healing
processes.
Prevention is the Best Cure
Principiis obsta: Sero Medicina Curatur
NDs assess environmental and hereditary risks, then educate
patients about appropriate choices. Patients are taught tools
for living a healthy life and preventing minor illnesses from
becoming more serious or chronic, degenerative diseases.
Because this preventive approach reduces the incidence of
high-cost chronic conditions, naturopathic medicine
decreases both immediate and long-term health care costs.
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Naturopathic Physicians
A naturopathic physician (ND) is a primary care, general practitioner trained as an expert in natural medicine. NDs are the only primary care physicians clinically trained in the use of a wide variety of natural therapeutics. Patients consult with NDs for preventive medicine as well as for diagnosis and treatment of almost all acute and chronic conditions.
Naturopathic physicians attempt to find the underlying cause of the patient's condition and promote wellness in body and mind, rather than focus solely on symptomatic treatment.
NDs cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis and treatment when appropriate. When illnesses require pharmacological and/or surgical intervention, naturopathic medicine can complement care and offer recommendations to lessen the adverse effects and speed recovery time.
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Education of Naturopathic Physicians
A licensed naturopathic physician attends a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in the same basic and clinical sciences common to all medical education, but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness.
Naturopathic medical schools have admission requirements and coursework comparable to those of conventional medical schools. Students are trained in the sciences of
Physical and clinical diagnosis
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Pathology
Microbiology
Immunology
Medical genetics
Radiology
Pharmacology
Gynecology
Endocrinology
Cardiology
Neurology
Dermatology
Gastroenterology
Urology
Proctology
Oncology
Public health
Pediatric medicine
Geriatric medicine
In addition to standard medical curriculum which includes two years of internship, the naturopathic physician is required to complete training in
Clinical nutrition
Botanical medicine
Psychology
Counseling
Stress management
Homeopathic medicine
Oriental medicine
Physical medicine
Hydrotherapy
Ultrasound
Exercise therapy
Naturopathic manipulation of muscles, bones and spine
Furthermore, some students of naturopathic medicine pursue additional studies and upon licensure, practice oriental medicine, acupuncture and/or natural childbirth.
The accrediting agency for naturopathic medical schools in the United States is the Council on Naturopathic Medical School Education (CNME). The CNME is the only accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education to accredit naturopathic programs and colleges.
There are currently 4 accredited naturopathic medical schools in the United States.
- The National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, OR
- Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona
- The University of Bridgeport College of Natural Medicine in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Additionally, the University of Bridgeport College of Natural Medicine in Bridgeport, Connecticut was granted candidacy status for accreditation by the CNME in March, 2001.
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Licensure of Naturopathic Physicians
Licensing laws for naturopathic physicians (NDs) currently exist in 13 states as well as the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In these locations, NDs are required to graduate from a four-year residential naturopathic medical school and pass 5 days of extensive post-doctoral board exams in order to receive a license. NDs are also subject to review by a State Board of Examiners.
In states that license NDs, they practice under their full scope of training, which includes prescription rights, IV therapy and minor surgery. In these states their services are commonly covered by health insurance policies.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) supports legislation to license NDs in all states in order to distinguish properly trained physicians from lesser trained individuals who may present a danger to the public. AANP membership is limited to individuals who are eligible for licensing in states which issues licenses, have graduated from a recognized school and completed board exams.
In states that do not offer licensing, some people use the title “ND” or “Naturopath” who have not had training from accredited schools, who do not hold any recognized license and who would not qualify for licensure. These individuals may have taken brief correspondence courses, short seminars, or attended schools that give credit for life experience but which do not require clinical training. Such degrees are not recognized by the CNME.
New York does not license naturopathic physicians at this time; therefore there are no educational requirements or standards. Please inquire about your healthcare provider’s education for your own safety.
Dr. Sarah Cimperman holds a current license to practice as a naturopathic physician in the state of Connecticut, as the state of New York does not yet license NDs. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
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