Finding a Qualified Naturopath

Naturopathy is the oldest of all healing arts and the root of all other forms of medicine.

The philosophy of naturopathy is often described by six core values.

1.  First, do no harm; provide the most effective health care available with the least risk.

2. Recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being.

3. Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms.

4. Educate (doctor as teacher); Inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health.

5. Treat the whole person by considering all individual health factors and influences.

6. Promote well-being  for the individual, family, community, and world.

Naturopathic treatment is divided into two groups

Traditional Naturopath

http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Healing-Guide-Everyone-Eleventh/dp/188433489X

Traditional naturopathy has been practiced since the beginning of human life, and is based on the philosophy that the body has tremendous innate abilities to heal itself. The traditional naturopathic practitioner counsels patients on nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, merely initiating and guiding the body in its healing by performing non-invasive procedures and using a variety of techniques including massage, herbology, homeopathy and other natural healing methods.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD)

http://www.naturopathic.org/

Licensed naturopathic doctors work as primary care doctors. Like most doctors, the majority of their day is spent seeing patients in a medical office. A typical patient visit lasts for 30 minutes, but a first visit may run between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. A patient visit usually includes patient diagnosis, discussion of possible naturopathic treatments, counseling about lifestyle or nutrition, prescription of natural remedies, and/or referral to other medical specialists, if necessary. When appropriate, the NMD may also perform invasive treatments in their office.