FAQ
A: Naturopathy utilizes many traditional forms of healthcare from cultures around the world including: herbs, acupuncture, nutrition, manipulation, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and mind-body medicine. Naturopaths (NDs) treat patients as individuals by addressing the environmental, lifestyle, attitudinal, and emotional aspects of health. This allows naturopaths to find and treat the cause of the disease using natural, non-invasive therapies. Our ultimate goal is to treat everyone as an individual and teach them how to heal their bodies and keep it healthy.
Q: What are the principles of naturopathy? A:
Primum non nocere – First, Do No Harm
Vis Medicatrix Naturae – The Healing Power of Nature
Tolle Causum – Treat the Cause
Tolle Totem – Treat the Whole Person
Docere – Doctor as Teacher
Prevention is the Best Cure
Q: How are naturopaths educated?
A: Our educational program is very similar to that of the traditional medical school program. We spend most of our first two years studying our basic sciences like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and microbiology. This allows us to understand how the body works and what happens when it’s not functioning properly. We then learn the same physical examination and laboratory techniques as the MD, so we can examine and diagnose a patient. Our third and fourth year of training is spent learning more about the diagnosis and treatment of a vast array of diseases and gaining clinical experience under the guidance of licensed NDs, MDs, DOs, and, DCs
Q: What are accredited schools of naturopathic mecicine?
A: There are currently four schools in the U.S. and two in Canada that offer the four year program leading to the degree of Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine or N.D.. National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona, University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver, British Columbia and Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario.
A: Naturopaths are trained as a primary care physician to take care of most of our clients needs. So we see clients for many of their acute and chronic health conditions. However, here in PA, we are not licensed, so we can consult with you and educate you about how herbs, homeopathy, and nutrition can improve your health. We can help you heal and maintain a healthy lifestyle by recommending lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, relaxation.
A: Because naturopaths aren't licensed in Pennsylvania, most insurance companies won't cover the visit. However, most people with health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts can get reimbursement for visits and supplements.
A: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: www.naturopathic.org
Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians: www.panp.org
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medicine Colleges: www.aanmc.org