In a word, Naturopathy stands for the reconciling, harmonizing and
unifying of nature, humanity and God. Fundamentally therapeutic because
men need healing; elementally educational because men need teaching;
ultimately inspirational because men need empowering, it encompasses the
realm of human progress and destiny.
- Benedict Lust -
Naturopathy
is a therapeutic approach developed in the early 20th century by
Benedict Lust and some of his contemporaries. It combined a number of
existing natural therapy techniques and consolidated many of the doctors
practicing natural medicine at the time.
Today, Naturopathic Doctors receive medical training commensurate with
conventional medical doctors. Specifically, they must meet
pre-medical requirements (the same as M.D.'s and D.O.'s) before acceptance
into a 4 year Naturopathic medical school - e.g. Bastyr University.
During the first 2 years of medical school Naturopathic candidates are
trained in the basic and clinical sciences (e.g. pathology, gross anatomy,
biochemistry, physical and clinical diagnosis, etc.). The curriculum
is modeled after those of conventional medical schools. Students are
instructed by same professors that teach or have taught at conventional
medical schools.
The main difference lies in the therapeutics. Naturopathic
physicians study a broad range of alternative healing approaches including
clinical nutrition, therapeutic diets, herbal medicine, homeopathy,
physical medicine, hydrotherapy and counseling. Naturopathic doctors
also receive training in minor surgery and pharmacology. However,
training in pharmaceutical medicine is not as extensive as that found in
conventional medical school, since this isn't their preferred approach to
treatment.
Naturopaths in Arizona receive additional training and certification by
the state medical board. Because of broader prescriptive
rights, the state requires Naturopathic doctors demonstrate comprehensive
competence in pharmaceutical prescribing in addition to passing the
state's Naturopathic board of exams.
**Attention**
Naturopathic physicians are licensed in 17 states, as well as, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If
you live in a state without licensing, anyone there can call themselves
a Naturopathic Doctor. These people typically purchase a "degree"
through the mail and have no formal medical education or training.
To ensure that your doctor has attended a 4 year post graduate medical
school you can visit the American
Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Here you can find
legitimate doctors who have graduated from an accredited 4 year medical
school.
If you are a supporter of Naturopathic medicine and you believe that the
citizens of all 50 states should have access to doctors specifically and
comprehensively trained in complementary and alternative medicine,
please visit the AANP to find
out how to support state licensure.
It is interesting to note that our biggest opponents are not the
American Medical Association, but rather, it's the untrained fake or mail-order
"naturopaths" that fight standards and licensing in the remaining
states. Unfortunately, they have more members and money than we do
and have been very successful blocking state licensure. However,
recent victories with the licensing of California and the District of
Columbia are tremendously encouraging. Your letters and support
can make a difference!
--M
Send an E-mail to:
Doctor
Uzick
Michael Uzick, NMD, FABNO
3920 North Campbell Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85719
520-495-4400
