Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is appropriate for the management of a broad range of health conditions affecting all people of all ages.
Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are the highest trained practitioners in the broadest scope of naturopathic medical modalities. In addition to the basic medical sciences and conventional diagnostics, naturopathic education includes therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, classical Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy and physical medicine.
Philosophy & Principles
Naturopathic physicians address the underlying cause of disease through effective, individualized natural therapies that integrate the healing ability of body, mind and spirit.
Naturopathic physicians are unique in providing diagnosis and treatment that bridges both conventional and natural medicine perspectives; they integrate scientific research with the body’s innate ability to heal.
The goal of a naturopathic physician is to employ therapies that support and promote the body’s natural healing process, leading to the highest state of wellness.
As professional leaders and pioneers in science-based naturopathic medicine, naturopathic physicians advocate the development of professional standards, accountability, and regulation of all forms of medicine in all jurisdictions to maintain public safety and freedom of choice in health care. Further, we support broad inclusion, collaboration and equal access in the health care system at all levels.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere) remedies and therapies that are safe and effective
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) restore and support the powerful and inherent healing ability of your body, mind and spirit
Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam) determine and treat the underlying cause of diseases
Treat the Whole Person (In pertubato amino sicut in corpore sanitas esse non potest) take into account not only physical symptoms, but also mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual and other factors
Doctor as Teacher (Docere) teach the principles of healthy living and disease prevention
Education & Licensing
In Canada & the U.S., the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree is awarded after 4 years of pre-medical training and 4 years of post-graduate classroom, clinic and practical study. Medical Doctors and Chiropractors can complete the program in 2 years.
ND’s are trained in medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, cardiology, neurology, radiology, minor surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, psychology, dermatology, and clinical and physical diagnosis.
Specialized naturopathic medicine techniques can include therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, hydrotherapy, physical medicine and counseling.
Professionally-recognized colleges of naturopathic medicine in North America are:
National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon (accredited); Bastyr University in Bothell, Washington (accredited); Southwest College in Scottsdale, Arizona (accredited); University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut; and the Canadian College in Ontario, Canada.
Like many states and provinces, Oregon’s laws require extensive post-doctoral board examination for licensure. This policy is supported by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, which also maintains high standards of education and medical practice and encourages scientific research.
Naturopathic organizations in Canada include the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA), the College of Naturopathic Physicians of B.C (CNPBC) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). Additional information on naturopathic schools can be found at
https://www.aanmc.org