naturopathic medicine
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Naturopathic medicine is a distinct profession of primary health care, emphasizing prevention, treatment and the promotion of optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and modalities, which encourage the self-healing process, the vis medicatrix naturae. Naturopathic practice blends centuries-old knowledge of natural, nontoxic therapies with current advances in the understanding of health and human systems. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and all natural medicine modalities. Most naturopathic doctors (NDs) provide primary care natural medicine through office-based, private practice. Many receive additional training in disciplines or modalities such as midwifery, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, homeopathy, psychotherapy, and functional and environmental medicine to broaden the services they can offer their patients. An increasing trend is the establishment of associate practices and interdisciplinary integrated care clinics, bringing together the services of a diverse group of practitioners. Naturopathic diagnosis and therapeutics are supported by scientific research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality. Information technology and new concepts in clinical outcomes assessment are particularly well-suited to evaluating the effectiveness of naturopathic treatment protocols and are being used in research, both at naturopathic medical schools and in the offices of practicing physicians. Clinical research into natural therapies has become an increasingly important focus for naturopathic physicians. |
The six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of naturopathic medicine include:
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