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History Naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural therapies (such
as herbs, nutrition, and water therapy) with current advances in medical
science (like medical imaging, modern biochemistry, and lab testing). This
type of medicine traces its roots to the ancient world: the "father" of
naturopathic medicine is considered to be Hippocrates, from ancient Greece,
who taught that clean water and a good diet were both essential and basic to
health. Naturopathy also borrowed from the medical philosophies of India
and China, and, later, drew from certain European methods such as the
sauna and homeopathy.
In the 18th century, the popularity of naturopathic medicine rose in reaction
to the practice in Europe and America of blood-letting and the administration
of toxic metals, such as mercury and arsenic, as treatments for disease. Some
doctors of the time perceived these practices as doing more harm than good
and chose to practice "naturopathically" instead.
Since then the naturopathic approach has risen and fallen in popularity. In
the 19th century it gained wide acceptance as its efficacy was shown and as
interest in prevention and healthy living increased, as demonstrated by the
popularity of Kellog's Battle Creek Sanitarium and other establishments of its
kind starting in the 1890's.
By the turn of the 20th century there were over 100 naturopathic medical
schools in the United States, including one in Minneapolis. But the
technological advances of the 20th century, the subsequent increased use of
more suppressive and intrusive medical techniques, and the powerful
American Medical Association's denial of membership to Naturopaths would,
by the 1940's, lead to a sharp decline in the practice of naturopathic
medicine.
In recent years as the use of managed health care has increased, so has
patient dissatisfaction, leading to an increased demand for alternatives.
Naturopathic medicine has been growing steadily in popularity as a source for
scientifically based "alternative" medicine. As of today there are six
accredited naturopathic medical schools awarding Naturopathic Doctorates
and over 800 licensed Naturopathic Doctors (ND's) in North America. ND's
are the nation's leading experts in natural medicine, as they are the only
clinically-trained, board-certified doctors educated in both conventional and
natural therapies. As such they are able to integrate conventional and
naturopathic medicine for the most effective treatment of their patients.
Philosophy The philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine includes a focus on
prevention rather than intervention, makes a priority out of treating cause
rather than suppressing symptoms, commits to empowering patients to be in
control of their health, and acknowledges that nature has the power to heal.
The major difference between naturopathic and conventional medicine can
be summed up in one idea: naturopathic medicine works with the body's
own efforts to heal itself rather than attempting to suppress its symptoms of
disease. For example, naturopathic philosophy would advocate keeping a
fever within its most effective range to fight illness, rather than automatically
suppressing it with acetaminophen or other drugs. For further information
on naturopathic philosophy, please visit the American Association of
Naturopathic Medicine's website.
as herbs, nutrition, and water therapy) with current advances in medical
science (like medical imaging, modern biochemistry, and lab testing). This
type of medicine traces its roots to the ancient world: the "father" of
naturopathic medicine is considered to be Hippocrates, from ancient Greece,
who taught that clean water and a good diet were both essential and basic to
health. Naturopathy also borrowed from the medical philosophies of India
and China, and, later, drew from certain European methods such as the
sauna and homeopathy.
In the 18th century, the popularity of naturopathic medicine rose in reaction
to the practice in Europe and America of blood-letting and the administration
of toxic metals, such as mercury and arsenic, as treatments for disease. Some
doctors of the time perceived these practices as doing more harm than good
and chose to practice "naturopathically" instead.
Since then the naturopathic approach has risen and fallen in popularity. In
the 19th century it gained wide acceptance as its efficacy was shown and as
interest in prevention and healthy living increased, as demonstrated by the
popularity of Kellog's Battle Creek Sanitarium and other establishments of its
kind starting in the 1890's.
By the turn of the 20th century there were over 100 naturopathic medical
schools in the United States, including one in Minneapolis. But the
technological advances of the 20th century, the subsequent increased use of
more suppressive and intrusive medical techniques, and the powerful
American Medical Association's denial of membership to Naturopaths would,
by the 1940's, lead to a sharp decline in the practice of naturopathic
medicine.
In recent years as the use of managed health care has increased, so has
patient dissatisfaction, leading to an increased demand for alternatives.
Naturopathic medicine has been growing steadily in popularity as a source for
scientifically based "alternative" medicine. As of today there are six
accredited naturopathic medical schools awarding Naturopathic Doctorates
and over 800 licensed Naturopathic Doctors (ND's) in North America. ND's
are the nation's leading experts in natural medicine, as they are the only
clinically-trained, board-certified doctors educated in both conventional and
natural therapies. As such they are able to integrate conventional and
naturopathic medicine for the most effective treatment of their patients.
Philosophy The philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine includes a focus on
prevention rather than intervention, makes a priority out of treating cause
rather than suppressing symptoms, commits to empowering patients to be in
control of their health, and acknowledges that nature has the power to heal.
The major difference between naturopathic and conventional medicine can
be summed up in one idea: naturopathic medicine works with the body's
own efforts to heal itself rather than attempting to suppress its symptoms of
disease. For example, naturopathic philosophy would advocate keeping a
fever within its most effective range to fight illness, rather than automatically
suppressing it with acetaminophen or other drugs. For further information
on naturopathic philosophy, please visit the American Association of
Naturopathic Medicine's website.
Naturopathic Family Medicine, LLC
Robin Thomson, ND
Robin Thomson, ND
(651) 653-0170