Naturopathy is considered a whole medical system that has an emphasis on supporting health rather than combating problems or diseases after they occur. One of the general beliefs is that organisms including our bodies have the ability to maintain and return to a state of balance, and can heal themselves. It is thought that nearly 2400 years ago a Greek physician believed that there was healing power of nature. In the turn of the 20th century, a man named Benedict Lust emigrated to the United States of America from Germany where several years before, he had been cured of Tuberculosis by a naturopathic priest. It was he who popularized natural health in the United States by improving upon the methods of the treatment he received in Germany. He also founded the first naturopathic college and professional association.

There are several types of therapies that your naturopathic doctor may use in treating you such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, Acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine, physical medicine, and preventative medicine. The doctors in your area may also have additional specialized training such as IV therapies, colon therapies or minor surgery. Although naturopathy focuses on treatments that are “natural” they are not without risk.

Naturopathic doctors are guided by six basic principles which are all emphasized throughout their training.

First do no harm: they try to avoid, whenever possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms, they respect the individual’s healing process, and they utilize methods and substances which minimize the risk of side effects.

The healing power of nature: Your doctor tries to restore and support your body’s natural healing ability and will identify and remove any obstacles to your recovery.

Identify and treat the cause: The main goal of your doctor will be to identify and treat the actual cause of your symptoms rather than to just treat your symptoms. Symptoms are only your body’s natural attempt to heal itself.

Treat the whole person: Each person requires individualized care. In your treatment, the doctor will take into consideration your physical being, as well as mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors.

Doctor as teacher: Your doctor will help you to understand your health and illness by providing an understanding of the factors that affect your health and well being.

Disease prevention and health promotion: The above principles are all utilized in a proactive attempt to prevent disease. Emphasis is placed on daily habits, assessment of risk factors and heredity.

Your first visit with an ND typically lasts between 1-2 hours so they can take a detailed history of current and past health concerns and perform a physical examination. Subsequent visits will not take this long and are generally between 20 minutes to an hour depending on your particular situation and needs.