Much of the above article explains the history behind naturopathy, whose philosophies cut to the heart of what my staff and I practice daily at the Optimal Wellness Center. Additionally, I believe NDs are so qualified to practice natural medicine that I will shortly be hiring several to work as editors on the newsletter.

Although it's too early to determine if the licensing of naturopaths will prompt more Californians to seek their services, Washington State, which has licensed naturopaths for almost 20 years, may show where the trend is heading. The state has more than 600 practitioners who are used as both complementary and primary care doctors. Also, by that state's law, insurance is required to cover visits to naturopathic physicians.

Importance of Naturopathy

As you may already know, I am an avid supporter of naturopathic doctors (N.D.s) who have attended certified accredited four-year naturopathic medical schools. Unfortunately, in states where N.D.s are not licensed, anyone can call himself or herself an N.D. -- so beware.

Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians clinically trained in natural therapeutics and whose philosophy is derived in part from a Hippocratic teaching more than 2,000 years old: Vis mediatrix naturae, or "Nature is the healer of all diseases." Their practice is based on the same basic bio-medical science foundation that allopathic practice is; however, (as you know from the above article) their philosophies and approaches differ considerably from their conventional counterparts.

Naturopathic physicians diagnose disease and treat patients by using natural modalities such as physical manipulation, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, counseling, acupuncture and hydrotherapy, among others. They choose treatment based on the individual patient, not based on the generality of symptoms. This approach has proven successful in treating both chronic and acute conditions.

Six Principles That Guide the Therapeutic Methods and Modalities of Naturopathy

1. First Do No Harm (primum non nocere): Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.

2. The Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrix naturae): The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, non-toxic therapies.

3. Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect (tolle causam): Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.

4. Treat the Whole Person (tolle totum): The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs.

5. The Physician is a Teacher (docere): The physician's major role is to educate, empower and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.

6. Prevention is the best "cure:" Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.

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The Forgotten Art of Hydrotherapy