The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order
-
Establish the Foundations of Health
The first step is to establish a solid foundation for health. This includes addressing lifestyle factors such as nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress management. By optimizing these fundamental aspects of well-being, the body is better prepared to heal and maintain vitality.
-
Support the Body's Vital Force
Naturopathic medicine acknowledges the presence of a vital force within each person—an inherent life force that promotes healing. Therapies in this stage aim to enhance and support this vital force, helping the body return to a state of balance.
-
Remove Obstacles to Cure
The next step involves identifying and addressing any factors that may be hindering the body's ability to heal. These obstacles could include poor nutrition, environmental toxins, chronic stress, or unresolved emotional issues. By removing these barriers, the healing process can proceed more effectively.
-
Stimulate the Body's Self-Healing Mechanisms
Naturopathic doctors use natural therapies and modalities to stimulate the body's innate healing mechanisms. This may involve treatments such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, or physical therapies to address specific health concerns.
-
Address Pathology
If necessary, more targeted interventions are used to address underlying health issues and pathology. These therapies are tailored to the individual's unique condition and may include specific dietary changes, nutritional supplements, or natural remedies.
-
Prescribe Natural Substances
Naturopathic doctors may recommend natural substances such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other supplements to support the healing process and address specific health concerns.
-
Prescribe Pharmaceutical Medications
As a last resort, if natural interventions are insufficient, pharmaceutical medications may be considered. Naturopathic doctors aim to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
-
Address Structural Integrity
The final stage involves addressing structural integrity, which can include physical therapies, chiropractic care, or other modalities that help optimize the body's physical alignment and function.
what is a naturopathic doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors vs. Medical Doctors
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) and medical doctors (MDs) both receive extensive clinical training to care for patients. However, there are key differences in their education and approaches to treatment.
Education
NDs complete a 4-year graduate-level program focused on integrative care. This includes the basic medical sciences along with clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, mind-body therapies, and holistic modalities.
MDs undergo a 4-year program centered on conventional medical approaches like pharmaceuticals, surgery, and diagnostics. Their training emphasizes evidence-based medicine.
Clinical Approach
In practice, MDs focus heavily on disease diagnosis, symptom management and medical interventions like drugs or surgery.
NDs emphasize natural prevention, addressing underlying causes of illness and promoting overall wellness. Their treatments involve clinical nutrition, herbal remedies, lifestyle changes and holistic therapies.
In summary, MDs and NDs complement each other in comprehensive patient care. NDs offer an integrative approach to restore and maintain health naturally from within.
The 6 Principles of Naturopathic Medicine