Naturopathic Medical Training

Naturopathic medicine was established in North America in 1896 by Benedict Lust when he founded the first naturopathic college, the Yungborn Health Institute in New Jersey.

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession founded on the time honoured belief in vis medicatrix naturae, "the healing power of nature." It is a holistic, coordinated approach to health care that respects the unique individuality of each person. The naturopathic physician attends to the prevention and treatment of disease and the promotion of optimal health. S/he views the patient as a whole person, while symptoms of disease are seen as indicators of improper functioning, imbalance and/or poor lifestyle habits. The goal of treatment is to address the underlying cause of disease and to avoid treatments that might induce further harm, either by producing unwanted side-effects or by complicating the existing disease process. This is achieved through the appropriate application of natural substances and modalities that remove obstacles to health and enhance the body's inherent healing abilities.

The following is a list of treatments commonly provided or prescribed by naturopathic physicians:

• Botanical Medicine:
  The use of plant substances for their healing effects and nutritional value.

• Clinical Nutrition:
  The use of specific individual diets and vitamin, mineral and other nutritional supplements to address deficiencies, promote health and treat disease.

• Homeopathy:
  The use of minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities.

• Traditional Oriental Medicine:
  Incorporating Chinese herbology, acupuncture, the practices of Tai Qi, Qi Gong and food medicine.

• Psychological Counselling:
  The use of counseling, biofeedback and visualisation techniques.

• Physical Medicine:
  The use of water, heat, cold, light, electricity, ultrasound and various manipulation and hands-on techniques to aid the correction of stress or trauma induced in muscles, connective tissue and the skeletal system.