Monday, May 11, 2009

Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) practice naturopathic medicine, a distinct system of primary health care that uses the best of both modern and traditional medical practices. Naturopathic medicine recognizes both the art and science of medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based.
The principles of naturopathic medicine include:
1. The healing power of nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in every person and works to stimulate this energy.
2. Identify and treat the underlying cause of illness or disease rather than simply suppress symptoms.
3. First do no harm: All medical professionals abide by this principle. Naturopathic Doctors seek to follow this principle by utilizing medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful side effects and by avoiding, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms.
4. Doctor as teacher: NDs educate and motivate their patients to learn daily living habits to optimize their wellness. They also recognize the importance of the doctor-patient relationship in healing.
5. Treat the whole person: NDs take into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, social, and environment factors of every patient. This requires extended time in the office visits to listen to each patient's story.
6. Prevention: NDs emphasize the prevention of chronic disease in humans. They recognize the connection between individual health, community health, and environmental health.

NDS are trained in a variety of treatment modalities including nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic manipulation, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, lifestyle counseling, and pharmacology. Diagnosis tools include standard laboratory testing, imaging, and physical exams, as well as other assessment methods specific to the naturopathic profession, such as food intolerance tests.

Currently only 15 states regulate the naturopathic profession: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. In these states, consumers of naturopathic medicine can be assured that their ND has met the following credentials: 1) Completed a 4-year undergraduate with pre-med training, 2) Graduated from a 4-year residential, graduate naturopathic medical school which is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, and 3) Passed rigorous board exams carried out by NABNE, a regulatory agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In unlicensed states, anyone- regardless of training- can claim to be a "Naturopath".

Dr. Courtney Jackson is a board certified Naturopathic Doctor and is recognized as a primary care doctor in states that regulate the naturopathic profession. She is currently in practice in Denver, Colorado. She specializes in delivering excellent, individualized, naturopathic medicine to her patients. Dr. Jackson treats a variety of conditions including fatigue, digestive disorders, metabolic disease, and hormonal imbalances.