
Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct profession of primary health care which places an emphasis on prevention, natural therapies, and promoting optimal health.
The science of naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive body of knowledge derived from both contemporary cutting-edge scientific understanding of the human body as well as age-old traditional systems of healing.
The goal of the naturopathic physician is to treat the whole person and find the cause of illness, restoring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. The human body has a tremondous capacity to heal itself when the "obstacles to cure" are removed. The principle known as vis medicatrix naturae or the healing power of nature, is the foundation of naturopathic philosophy and practice.
The naturopathic physician becomes a partner with their patients in health. Only in understanding how the choices that are made today impact our health tomorrow, can a truly preventive appreach to "dis-ease" be practiced.
Better health and a higher sense of well-being can be attained through this healing partnership.
Naturopathic physicians are trained as general medical practitioners with the ability to provide a wide range of healthcare for people of all ages.
Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year post graduate schools which train students in the medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, gynecology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, psychology, physical and clinical diagnosis.
Naturopathic education includes additional training in specialized naturopathic therapies including:
Therapeutic nutrition
Botanical medicine
Spinal manipulation
Soft-tissue therapies
Hydrotherapy
Stress management and counseling
Homeopathy
Washington State requires extensive post-doctoral examinations for licensure.