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Naturopathic Medicine Career Guide
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Naturopathic medicine (naturopathy) is an alternative style of medicine; like many of the alternative medical systems, proponents believe that the body has the ability to heal itself, and they strive to enhance this ability through a variety of means. Natural medicine incorporates many of the "Oriental" styles, including acupuncture, Qi healing, and meditation, but also incorporates methods used in traditional medicine, including counseling, diet and exercise. Add Earth-based healing techniques like herbalism and homeopathy and the field is incredibly versatile. Naturopathic doctors do not use surgery or drugs, although they will utilize X-rays and blood tests to help with diagnoses.
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Naturopathy was used in India and olden-day Europe before the age of modern medicine. It has been used in every country and on every continent, under different standards and rules of practice. Some believe that Hippocrates, the inventor of the doctor's code, was the original supporter of Naturopathic medicine, but it wasn't until the latter part of the 19th century that other areas of Europe officially recognized natural remedies. In the U.S., naturopathic medicine was popularized by John Scheel and Benedict Lust, who formed the first American School of Naturopathy in the early 1900s. Lust was instrumental in getting states to pass licensing laws before 1935.
Although the discovery of penicillin and the advent of more scientifically-proven methods of medicine took some of the attention away from Naturopathic medicine, the field never really disintegrated. In 1956, the National College of Naturopathic Medicine was opened in Portland Oregon; this school was the first to offer four years of schooling in the subject. Now there are six Naturopathic schools throughout North America.
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Naturopathic practitioners do not use traditional medicine. If they feel the need for prescriptions to be written, they will refer patients to a physician. Instead, they recommend changes in diet or habits, or prescribe herbal remedies. The first visit to a naturopathic doctor is similar to a first visit to any other health care practitioner. The doctor asks the patient to elaborate on current medical conditions and prior medical history. The patient is expected to answer questions regarding his diet, alcohol/tobacco use, and amount of sleep received. Sometimes the practitioner will order tests to determine how best to proceed with treatment. Some alternative-style treatments that a naturopathic doctor may utilize include nutritional guidance, manual therapy (i.e. massage and chiropractic), Chinese Medicine, hydrotherapy, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies and meditation.
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- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Autoimmune Disease
- Candida
- Cold and Flu
- Depression
- Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
- Digestive Complaints
- Fatigue
- Fertility Issues
- Fibromyalgia
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Insomnia
- Menopause
- Migraines
- Musculoskeletal Pain and Injuries
- PMS
- Pregnancy and Pediatrics
- Prostate Conditions
- Sinusitis
- Skin Conditions
- Weight Issues
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- Treats disease holistically instead of by symptom
- Treatments are nontoxic and universally effective
- Treatment is customized toward each person
- Naturopathic doctors are often all-around therapists, knowing things from many different areas.
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Side-Effects/Contra-Indications
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- Before starting a diet or exercise program, patients should contact their physician for clearance.
- Check the credentials of a naturopathic physician before making an appointment with him, because educational standards vary widely.
- Patients should not try to self-diagnose problems and “prescribe†themselves herbal remedies.
- People should not use naturopathic medicine in place of a traditional medicine program.
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Naturopathic students complete medical school for four years, learning subjects, including anatomy, nutrition, homeopathy, psychology and practical material such as hydrotherapy techniques and counseling. After completing initial schooling, students will take a qualifying exam called the NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination). If the student passes this test, he is eligible for the title of Naturopathic physician. Students need to ensure that they go through an accredited school, as many correspondence schools are exempt from state regulations.
Degree/License offered: Naturopathic Physician (ND)
Length of study: Students typically take 4-5 years to complete their degrees.
Cost/Financial Aid: $22,820-$25,750 per year
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- A 1996 study of more than 8,000 men with damaged heart muscles revealed that supplementing their diets with niacin significantly reduced the risk of mortality over fifteen years. (An 11% decrease).
- A study of women suffering from pain caused by Temporomandibular disorders revealed that regular visits to a naturopathic doctor over a 6-8 month period significantly improved the patients' average amount of pain.
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Practitioner Training & Licensure:
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Because Naturopathic doctors follow the same path to licensure as traditional physicians, they are qualified to practice in any state. Trainees take classes in acupuncture, nutrition, homeopathy and botanical medicine to complement the standard physician training. Fourteen states have laws in place for naturopathic doctors wanting to practice medicine. Once licensed, naturopathic doctors are required to complete so many hours of class-work each year to meet continuing education requirements.
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Average Salary/ Hourly Rate:
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Naturopathic doctors average $50,000-$60,000 per year, although there is quite a bit of range depending on whether a doctor has her own practice or works for a hospital. Some naturopathic physicians make more than $90,000 per year.
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