From the basics of science to a common understanding of areas such as biochemistry and physiology, all healthcare professionals work with the same basic understanding of how the body works and how the principles of medicine actually work. 7Vitalism as a concept was refuted by Wohler in 1828, but the idea continues to thrive in natural medicine. 7It is perhaps not surprising that natural medicine has developed into different practices such as homeopathy, acupuncture and herbalism. 7
The USAThe naturopathic school system trains naturopathic medical students primarily as family doctors. 12Other naturopathic doctors prefer to focus on certain areas of naturopathic treatment modalities such as homeopathy, botanical medicine or physical medicine. 12Although it is a diverse group, most physicians agree on common treatment principles. Learn more here12 One of the most important principles of naturopathy is that the body uses its inherent ability to heal itself when the cause of the disease is eliminated, and the use of natural treatments can help to influence those abilities. 12
Naturopathy is an independent system of basic medical care, which results from a strong philosophical conviction about life, health and illness. 7His principles and philosophies are an integral part of naturopathic assessment, diagnosis and treatment. 7It combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine and emphasizes disease as a process rather than as a whole. 7Naturopathic medicine is defined by principles rather than methods or modalities. 7The focus of naturopathic therapies is on the treatment of the causes of disease and the stimulation of the healing power of the body through the use of natural techniques and therapies. 7
Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a medical system based on the healing power of nature. 18Naturopathy is a holistic system, meaning that Naturopathic Physicians (N.D.s) or Naturopathic Physicians (N.M.D.s) strive to find the cause of the disease by understanding the person’s body, mind and soul. 18Most naturopathic doctors use a variety of therapies and techniques (eg diet, behavior modification, herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture). 18
Naturopathic practitioners are trained specialists in naturopathy. 11They have training in conventional medical sciences, but are not orthodox physicians (allopathic doctors or M.D.). 11In addition to the standard medical curriculum, naturopathic students must complete extensive courses and clinical studies in natural healing. 11
Some common prescription drugs come from naturopaths and doctors alike. 11Scientific research in Europe and Asia shows that some herbal substances are superior to synthetic drugs in clinical situations. 11Naturopathic Bodywork Naturopathic physicians are trained in massage techniques, manipulation techniques and physical therapies used to treat injuries and pain. 11
Naturopathic physicians understand the art of healing, which is not just the delivery of a herbal remedy or dietary supplement. 5The basis of EBM is the randomized controlled trial, which is of great value in evaluating individual treatments for individual diseases. 5There are randomized controlled trials that suggest that naturopathic treatments such as botanical medicine, nutritional therapies, acupuncture and physiotherapy are effective in certain conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine, depression, asthma, hypertension and type II diabetes. 5
Online and distance learning courses for naturopathic doctors or certificates do not have a standardized curriculum or accreditation for their programs recognized by the US Education Department. 3You can teach a variety of courses that help students understand the healing power of nature and the innate ability of the body to heal itself. 3The classes may include herbal medicine, homeopathy, orthomolecular nutrition, introductory anatomy, reflexology and iridology, among others. 3
Since the medical degree courses also take four years and include a two-year basic science education, many naturopaths claim that their education is equivalent. 14The quality of medical school programs is far superior to those of naturopathic schools. 14The faculties of the medical faculties are much larger and better educated, and the scope and depth of the clinical experience is much greater as the people who go to medical school clinics cover the full range of diseases. 14Some naturopathic graduates complete an additional year of postgraduate education in which they work on an outpatient basis. 14
A licensed ND must have completed a program accredited by the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which is accorded programmatic accreditation by the US Department of Education. 26In fact, CNME has accreditation authority because it meets administrative criteria, not because the naturopathic curriculum is medically sound. 26Much of the curriculum includes homeopathy, herbalism, hydrotherapy, craniosacral therapy, chiropractic manipulation, and naturopathic philosophy. 26
Students of the naturopathic study course have to take three courses in homeopathy and can take three more. 14The Southwest College of Natural and Health Sciences in Scottsdale, Arizona, was founded in 1992. 14The College of Natural Medicine at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut began teaching in 1997. 14The National University of Health Sciences near Chicago, which has been offering chiropractic degrees since 1966, received the approval of its Doctor of Natural Medicine in 2006. 14
The American Naturopathic Medical Association (ANMA), founded in 1981, claims to represent about 2,000 members worldwide. 14The Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (HANP), which requires a recognized professional qualification and additional homoeopathic education, has about 50 members in the US and Canada. 14The AANP has published the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine six times between 1990 and 1996. 14
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