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Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic physicians treat disease and illness by using natural methods or agents such as herbs and vitamins. They also rely on psychotherapy and physical therapy. Using the concept of holism, naturopathic physicians take into account the patient's emotional, social, economic, spiritual, and physical needs in order to develop an adequate plan of treatment.

Treatment for naturapathic medicine combines the herbal wisdom of the past with modern medical knowledge. Naturopathic physicians see each person as a complete whole, made of body, mind, emotions, and spirit. When persons live in harmony with their body and environment, they are likely to remain healthy. When they become out of balance because of stress, fatigue, poor diet, environmental pollution, and emotional trauma, for instance, they may become ill.

Practitioners believe that just as the body can produce symptoms, it can also heal itself. Naturopathic physicians help their patients remove any drawbacks to healing and find the hidden causes of illness. They use the least harmful and forceful means to treat the whole person. They teach patients to take responsibility for themselves in the healing process. They emphasize the prevention as well as the treatment of disease.

Naturopathic physicians use natural, nontoxic methods to treat most illnesses. They may also use homeopathy. This is a system of prescribing a very mild dose of the same substance that causes the symptom to the patient for relief of that symptom. Naturopathic physicians may also prescribe hydrotherapy (treatment with water), spinal manipulation and physical therapy, fasting and cleansing, stress management, and sometimes, counseling and hypnotherapy.

Job Outlook
Approximately 1,000 naturopathic physicians are in practice in the United States. A growing number of people with a belief in natural healing, or a disenchantment with standard medicine (and its high costs), are turning to holistic medicine. The prospects for naturopathic physicians will continue to improve as the public learns more about their skills and services through the media, from research, and from the patients of naturopathic physicians.

Educational Requirements
Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year post-graduate schools. Admission requirements are comparable with those of other medical schools. Many students entering naturopathic medical schools have an advanced degree, although it is not required. The first two years of naturopathic medical school emphasize the basic sciences: anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and microbiology. Study of the bodily systems takes in gastroenterology, cardiology, neurology, gynecology, dermatology, and so forth. Pharmacology, radiology, and minor surgery, as well as courses in naturopathic therapeutics are other studies. These practitioners do not serve an internship. Clinical practice consists of more than 1,000 hours of treating patients under the supervision of licensed naturopathic physicians.

Educational Programs