Naturopathic medicine is based on the premise that the human body has an innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) teach their patients to use cutting-edge natural therapies to enhance the body's ability to ward off and combat disease. Naturopathic physicians craft comprehensive treatment plans that blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches to not only treat disease, but to also restore health.

The following are principles by which naturopathic medicine is practiced:

• First do no harm
• Utilize the healing power of nature
• Treat the whole person, not just the symptom
• Treat the cause of the disharmony
• Educate the patient
• Emphasize prevention
• Understand that wellness is more than the absence of disease

Naturopathic Physicians

Naturopaths are licensed to practice naturopathic medicine in the following states and territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Requirements for licensure in these states include: graduation from a four- year naturopathic medical school and passing an extensive postdoctoral board examination. In addition, licensed naturopaths must fullfill continuing education requirements, which vary by state.

The scope of practice of an ND varies by state. Generally speaking, Naturopathic doctors in these states are considered primary care physicians. This means they may diagnose and treat patients. In some states, naturopaths may perform minor surgery, perform intravenous therapy, prescribe pharmaceutical medications, and with further education, practice naturopathic midwifery.

In states where there is no licensure, Naturopathic doctors are not considered physicians and therefore cannot claim to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Anyone in an unlicensed state may call himself or herself a naturopath or ND, so it is wise to ask any potential health professional about their education and qualifications.

In unlicensed states, Naturopathic doctors are still the most trained professionals on the use of a variety of natural healing therapies and modalities. Their extensive training also allows them to recognize situations that require a referral to a specialist, the use of pharmaceuticals, or a trip to the emergency room.

Naturopathic Education

Graduation from an accredited naturopathic medical school is required to become a licensed ND. The structure and hours of coursework in the basic sciences is comparable to that of any allopathic or osteopathic medical school. The first two years focus on a combination of basic diagnostic sciences and on courses in basic naturopathic principles. In the second two years, students focus on the clinical sciences, receiving supervised training at a variety of naturopathic primary care outpatient facilities.

Anyone interested in pursuing naturopathic medical education is free to call Dr. Fritz with questions.