Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems. Naturopathic care covers all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric.
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are the nation's leading experts in natural medicine. In states where naturopathic medicine is regulated, NDs act as family doctors, often serving as primary care providers for insurance companies and general practitioners for families.
States which currently regulate naturopathic medicine are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington. Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico also license NDs.
Licensed NDs have graduated from one of several naturopathic medical schools. These schools are four-year, graduate-level, residential, federally and regionally accredited institutions. In the United States there are currently five naturopathic medical schools:
- Bastyr University in Washington
- National College of Natural Medicine in Oregon
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona
- Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in Connecticut
- National University of Health Sciences in Illinois
Look for future posts to learn more about the history of naturopathic medicine and its guiding principles!