NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic physicians are skilled health care professionals whose orientation is towards health enhancement and disease treatment through non-toxic protocols. Their methods may include botanical (herbal) medicine, diet and nutritional medicine, physiotherapy, naturopathic physical manipulation, acupuncture, homeopathy, and counseling. The four-year naturopathic medical program is a thorough training in the health sciences, including biological, diagnostic, and therapeutic phases.
The practice of naturopathic medicine in British Columbia requires graduation from a recognized college of naturopathic medicine and comprehensive licensing examinations. Information on naturopathy in British Columbia may be obtained from the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia at:http://www.cnpbc.bc.ca/
Naturopathic physicians may specialize in particular therapeutic sciences. The Homeopathic Association of Naturopathic Physicians is a specialty association of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. The HANP offers examination and diplomate status to naturopathic physicians meeting training and continuing education requirements in homeopathic medicine.
BOTANICAL AND NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE
The use of plant (herbal/ botanical ) medicines is a time-honored tradition spanning all of human history. Thousands of plant medicines from around the world are now subject to careful chemical analysis and clinical research to determine their precise values. Some of the most extensive work in this area has been done in Germany and Japan. In general, this scientific work has made it possible to apply plant medicines with far greater precision and effectiveness. We very often use botanical medicines with patients as they have many potential benefits.
Similarly, nutritional medicine has made tremendous advances thanks to modern science, and specific food factors can be applied as powerful healing agents on the basis of evidence.
Botanical and nutritional medicines can aid in the healing of damaged or inflamed tissues, protect, nourish, refresh and invigorate specific organs, restore or enhance mental ability and memory, as well as lessen the effects of aging. In contrast to common medicines, they tend to produce far fewer side effects and many times will work just as well.
Becoming
a Naturopathic Doctor