“Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.”
Medical doctors typically attend a 4 year nationally accredited medical school, followed by 1-2 years of residency. Naturopathic medical students attend 4-5 years at an accredited college, learning all aspects of primary medical care, with 2-3 years of clinical experience. In addition, they are also trained in the modalities of physical medicine, hydrotherapy, botanical medicine, diet and nutrition therapy, homeopathy, and counseling. Naturopathic medical students, just as medical doctors, are also required to sit and pass national board exams, prior to receiving licensure to practice. Our primary approach to medical care is to stimulate the body's innate healing ability through the use of the least force necessary, and following the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine.
Naturopathic Principles:
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)
Prevention (Preventare)
Status of Licensure in Michigan
Naturopathic Doctors are licensed in 23 states as well as the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, but Michigan has yet to join that list. The Michigan Association of Naturopathic Doctors currently has a bill in the Senate Health Policy Committee that would provide for licensure of Naturopathic Doctors. Why is licensure important? Among many other reasons, it would allow us to practice to the full scope for which we were trained, and Naturopathic Doctors can help ease pressure on an overburdened healthcare system by filling much-needed primary care roles within the state. We need your help!! To learn more about the many ways you can help support our licensure efforts, please visit the Michigan Association of Naturopathic Doctors page at: www.michnd.org
Scope of Practice in Washington State
In the state of Washington, Naturopathic Doctors are licensed to act as a primary care physician. They can perform regular physical exams, order laboratory tests and imaging, prescribe a number of pharmaceutical medications (such as antibiotics), and even perform some minor office procedures. Naturopathic treatment philosophy centers around disease prevention and the promotion of holistic wellness, which is achieved through identifying and treating the cause of disease, and removing any obstacles to cure along the way. Each state has a different scope of practice, and they also have varying degrees of licensure and regulation. It is important to make sure that your naturopathic doctor has attended an accredited naturopathic medical school, and is appropriately licensed to their state’s requirements.