Naturopathic Medicine is an integrative medical system within complementary and alternative medicine which utilizes a variety of treatment modalities including non-toxic, natural therapies to promote the body’s self-healing ability and to prevent illness. The focus of naturopathy is to provide a holistic approach to treating the patient. These different types of treatment approaches may include, but are not limited to, herbal and dietary supplements, homeopathy, lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise, methods for stress reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and counseling. Naturopathic treatments may be offered by multiple healthcare providers including naturopathic physicians who have generally completed a 4 year graduate program at an accredited naturopathic medical school, traditional naturopaths who may receive training in a variety of ways, and other practitioners including physicians, osteopathic physicians, and chiropractors.
Some herbal supplements have been shown in clinical studies to be beneficial in the treatment of certain medical conditions. However, it is essential for the patient to communicate all medical approaches with their healthcare providers to ensure that care is coordinated to avoid adverse reactions and herbal-drug interactions. Naturopathy should not be used as the sole treatment of medical conditions but can be used to complement traditional medical care.
DISCLAIMER: Persons having conditions and/or receiving treatments that may pose a risk to participating in complementary therapies should obtain medical clearance from their physician prior to partaking in these services. Please consult your medical physician if you have any condition or concern that might place you at risk for harm.
Naturopathic
