Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine
At Progressive Medical Center we practice integrative medicine, which encompasses many different specialties, one of which is naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine is practiced widely and has many distinct benefits. When N.D.’s meet with you, they are concerned with you as a person (not a list of symtoms). It is also important for them to address the root cause of your illness and not just symptoms- to prevent recurrance and to strengthen the body. N.D.’s look to activate the body’s natural healing ability, using natural therapies, in order to prevent illness. They will first look for more natural healing options for you instead of immediately looking to chemical/perscription solutions.
In fact, many times the natural solutions are MORE effective, and we can test for that. Our doctors first test to see what the individual’s biology will respond to. For example, in treating a case of candida, many patients’ tests come back that the candida will be eliminated better by MCT oil than prescription Diflucan. And the MCT (Coconut oil) does work better for their particular biology! Of course, we give our Progressive patients the data from the test results and the option to choose which course they would like to follow.
More Detail on Naturopathic Medicine: There are six general principles in naturopathic medicine based on medical tradition and scientific evidence:
The Healing Power of Nature.
The body possesses the power to heal itself through its internal vitality and intelligence. The naturopathic physician strives to identify and remove obstacles to the body’s natural healing process.
Identify and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect.
The naturopathic physician always seeks to discover and remove the root causes of disease rather than to suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm.
The naturopath uses methods and substances that minimize harmful side effects, avoid suppression of symptoms when possible, and respects each person’s individual self-healing process.
Treat the Whole Person.
Naturopathic medicine is a whole-person approach to health and considers individual physical, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual, and other lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of disease.
The Physician is a Teacher.
Naturopathic physicians educate patients and encourage them to take responsibility for their health.
Prevention is the Best Cure.
Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention by assessing risk factors and creating appropriate interventions with their patients to restore health and prevent illness.
What is a naturopathic doctor?
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians who diagnose, treat and manage patients of all ages with a focus on prevention and self-healing through the use of science-based natural therapies.
They concentrate on whole-body wellness and work to identify and treat the root cause of the patient’s condition. Naturopathic doctors search for the least harmful and most effective approaches to restore and maintain optimal health. Most naturopaths provide care through office-based private practice.
Naturopathic physicians use natural therapies as a first choice for treatment. These therapies are supported by research drawn from many disciplines including conventional medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, phytotherapy (herbal medicine), pharmacology, chiropractic medicine, psychology, and spirituality.
Learn more at The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
What training do naturopathic doctors receive?
Naturopathic physicians attend a four-year naturopathic medical school and are clinically trained in all aspects of family health. Many receive additional training in areas such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine, natural childbirth, and counseling. The naturopathic doctor may often perform minor in-office surgery, ultrasound, physical manipulation of soft tissues, and gentle electrical therapies.
At Progressive Medical, naturopathic medical students complete clinical internships during the final two years of their medical program under the close supervision of licensed professionals. NDs often work with other conventional medical doctors, surgeons, and specialists, referring patients when appropriate.
How does naturopathic medicine compare to conventional medicine?
A naturopathic doctor is educated in all of the same basic sciences as a conventional medical doctor (MD) and must pass rigorous board exams. What sets the ND apart from conventional doctors is their use of non-invasive, natural therapies and a strong emphasis on chronic disease prevention.
Unlike most MDs, the naturopathic doctor is well trained in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine (such as spinal manipulation), homeopathy, and psychology.
Where are naturopathic doctors licensed to practice?
Naturopathic medicine has been used in the United States for many years but was pushed out of practice due to the politics of the medical field in the early 1900s.
NDs are currently licensed to practice in 17 states. To be licensed, NDs must graduate from a 4-year residential training at an accredited naturopathic medical university, pass an extensive postdoctoral board exam, and must satisfy continuing education credits each year. It requires extensive training.
Read more at The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Does Progressive have “regular” medical doctors (MDs) on staff?
Yes, our medical director is a conventionally trained MD and we have several medical doctors on staff at Progressive Medical Center.
MDs at Progressive Medical have expertise in emergency medicine, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and oncology. The difference is our medical doctors were also trained in various forms of natural medicine: integrative and holistic medicine including non-narcotic pain management, nutritional medicine, metabolism, anti-aging techniques, oxidative therapies, homeopathy, acupuncture, and environmental toxicity.
Their knowledge of natural medical approaches allows them to work together with other holistic health practitioners seamlessly. When MDs, NDs, osteopathic doctors (DOs), physician’s assistants, and nutritionists join forces, they can provide you with a comprehensive, natural, health plan that enhances your improvement and minimizes side effects.
At Progressive Medical we pride ourselves on delivering the best of both worlds- medical knowledge and therapies from the conventional medical field and from the natural medical field.