We are in the midst of a paradigm shift. Our understanding of health and medicine is expanding, and both physicians and patients are taking a holistic and integrated approach. Patients are increasingly being informed through the Internet, word of mouth, and diligent research that there is something significantly missing in medicine from the current standard of care in the American healthcare system. What they are finding, and turning to in droves, is a group of physicians who have also adopted this expanded approach to medicine. Some of these professionals took a more holistic approach after realizing that something was lacking in their medical training and sought postgraduate courses to complement their understanding of holistic medicine. Other practitioners discovered his passion before entering medical school and devoted themselves to the study of naturopathic medicine.
So this raises the questions: What is Naturopathic Medicine and where does Naturopathic Medicine fit into the paradigm shift?
What is this field of medicine?
Naturopathic Physicians (ND) are specialists in integrative medicine, combining extensive education and training in natural and conventional medicine, emphasizing the use of the safest and least invasive methods to treat disease while restoring health. The education involves a 4-year graduate program, national board exams in basic and clinical sciences, and a curriculum that includes basic science, clinical science, diagnostic techniques and tests, pharmacology, minor surgery, and a variety of therapies. Naturals including botanical medicine, nutrition and nutritional biochemistry, physical medicine, homeopathy, Oriental and Chinese medicine, and mind-body medicine.
An integral part of this medicine is a unifying philosophical approach to health outlined in The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine, which recognizes the body’s innate wisdom and healing ability (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) and the role of the physician in treating disease by restoring the body. to its natural and balanced state. state (Tolle Causum). Treatment programs integrate multiple modalities, which may include nutrition and lifestyle modification, homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, intravenous nutrient therapy, and, where warranted, pharmaceutical intervention. DNs start with the least invasive therapies and continue with higher levels of intervention only when necessary. This approach is described in what is called “The Therapeutic Order.”
The principles of naturopathic medicine:
1. First, do no harm, Primum Non Nocere: this principle is the foundation of any medical professional. DNs follow a therapeutic order that emphasizes the use of the least force necessary to restore health, using the least toxic and minimally invasive interventions and only proceeding to the most toxic and invasive interventions when necessary.
2. The Healing Power of Nature, Vis Medicatrix Naturae – First described by Hippocrates as the healing power of nature. It is the internal life force of a person that allows him to overcome illness. Naturopathic Medicine recognizes an inherent, orderly and intelligent self-healing process in each person. ND works to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and enhance this inherent self-healing process.
3. Identify and treat the cause, Tolle Causam: The physician seeks to identify and eliminate the underlying causes of the disease rather than simply eliminating or suppressing the symptoms that the patient is experiencing.
4. Doctor As a teacher, Docere -ND’s educates its patients and encourages self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and use the therapeutic potential of the doctor / patient relationship.
5. Treat the whole person: NDs treat each patient taking into account the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual, and other factors that contribute to their health.
6. Prevention: NDs emphasize prevention of disease assessment factors, heredity, and disease susceptibility, and work to make appropriate decisions in collaboration with their patients to prevent disease.
Naturopathic therapeutic order
1. Establish the conditions for health – Identify and eliminate the disturbing factors – Establish a healthier regimen
2. Stimulate the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): self-healing processes, through low-force methods such as constitutional hydrotherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture.
3. Address weakened or damaged systems or organs (through botanical medicine, homeopathy, orthomolecular nutrients, glandular glands, homeopathy and other natural, safe and minimally invasive therapies)
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Reduce toxicity.
- Normalize inflammatory function
- Optimizes metabolic function
- Balancing regulatory systems
- Improves regeneration
- Harmonize the life force
4. Correct structural integrity
5. Address the pathology:
For. use specific natural substances, modalities or interventions
B. use specific pharmacological or synthetic substances
6. Suppress or surgically eliminate the pathology.
Why naturopathy?
As Gandhi said, we must “be the change you wish to see in the world.” NDs practice the change they want to see in medicine. Although it has not gained universal acceptance within the United States healthcare system, these physicians have given an ‘leap of faith’, knowing that integrative medicine is the best medicine and will eventually gain not just parity, but prominence. Naturopathy extends beyond the simple integration of multiple therapies and treatment modalities. Incorporates an integrator Getting closer to all aspects of health and wellness. Starting from the first day of a DN’s medical education and continuing throughout the practice, every system, function, disease, and treatment of the body is viewed from a holistic perspective. It is highly likely that almost all integrative physicians share at least some of these philosophical tenants, regardless of whether they are called “naturopathic,” “holistic,” or “alternative.” Many integrative professionals are also likely to differ on some philosophies, treatments, and approaches. Having an underlying shared philosophical focus combined with different styles, opinions, ideas, and discoveries fuels evolution, progress, and change. As such, the philosophy and practice of Naturopathic Medicine is part of the evolving consciousness and paradigm shift towards a more holistic and integrative approach to healthcare that will soon become the new standard of mainstream medicine.
– Dr. Stacey Kupperman, North Dakota