Naturopathy is a form of primary healthcare that uses natural remedies to treat illnesses. Naturopathic physicians are trained in accredited schools and can use herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, and lifestyle changes to treat patients. They focus on identifying the underlying cause of an illness and are required to undergo specific training and pass exams to obtain their title. While they can use some of the same tools as doctors, their training may differ, and they may suggest natural remedies instead of prescription drugs.
Naturopathy is a type of primary health care dedicated to the use of natural materials and remedies to treat various disorders and illnesses in a patient. Naturopathic medicine is generally practiced by licensed physicians who have been trained by accredited schools. All aspects of a disease or disorder, including diagnosis, treatment and prevention, can be treated by naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic physicians can use herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation, and Eastern philosophies to formulate an appropriate course of treatment.
One of the main goals of naturopathic doctors is to identify the underlying cause of an illness. They may examine physical, genetic, emotional, and dietary factors that may have contributed to the patient’s current state. With natural remedies, they can suggest modifications to a patient’s exercise regimen and eating habits and can advocate for lifestyle changes.
Naturopathic doctors are required to undergo specific training in five Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia and at least 15 different US states. They are required to complete naturopathic education at a school accredited by the Board of Naturopathic Medical Education. Upon graduation, they must pass examinations administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners. Failure to complete any of these things will result in the inability to obtain the title of a legitimate naturopathic physician and to practice privileges. It should be noted that not all procedures that naturopaths train for may be performed in certain jurisdictions.
Despite the emphasis on natural treatment, doctors who practice naturopathy can use some of the same tools that doctors use to treat patients. Blood tests and medical imaging can help naturopaths determine the exact cause of an illness, for example. Minor surgeries can even be performed on a patient. However, minor surgeries, IV therapy and natural childbirth are areas that need to be studied further by the naturopath before he can perform them on patients.
Naturopathic doctors do not go through the same training as doctors. For example, they are not required to complete in-home training. In training, there may be less emphasis on clinical science and they may be educated in areas such as homeopathy and vitalism, which contradict or oppose conventional medical treatments; for example, naturopathic doctors may suggest using vitamins, mineral supplements, and other natural materials instead of prescription drugs. However, at the end of their training, they can become board certified and act as primary care providers. Those interested in seeing a naturopath should be aware that traditional naturopaths do not receive as much official training as board-certified naturopathic physicians.
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