WHAT IS A NATUROPATH? Naturopaths and Naturopathy is the oldest form of health care. It means, essentially, "the path of nature". Naturopaths practice all over the world, and all over the country. Contrary to misinformation one may see on "naturopathic physician " web sites, we obtain many years of formal study, within a curriculum teaching classical naturopathy. "Naturopathic" physicians, by contrast, are trained in the medical model, with little within their programs to learn classical traditional naturopathy. Their 5 schools describe themselves as medical schools. Their graduates generally use the designation "NMD", which stands for naturopathic medical doctor. For further discussion of this refer to this informative article by internationally known Naturopath and author of numerous books, Linda Page, ND: http://drlindapage.typepad.com/healthyhealing/2009/07/what-is-a-traditional-naturopath-.html Our traditional naturopathy schools teach, develop and preserve the traditional and classical interpretative and applied model of naturopathic care. True Naturopaths are trained in the following areas of practice and discipline: Dietary Assessment, Nutritional Counseling Massage and Applied Bodywork Therapies Naturopathic Physical Medicine Energy Medicine/Energy Balancing Bodywork Hydrotherapy Applied Natural Therapeutics Medicinal Herbal Practice Botanical Applied Therapeutics Herbal Pharmacy and Dispensary/Apothecary Naturopathic Assessment Methods Community Education and Counseling Holistic Anatomy and Physiology Parasitology Microbial Balancing of Inner Ecology Eastern /Oriental Therapeutic Approaches Flower Essences Creation and Practice At times, and for continuing education - Naturopaths pursue study and expertise in Homeopathy, which is a medicinal therapy requiring specialized training to truly perform well and professionally. Continuing Education also includes refinement and deeper study in the above mentioned areas of study. Many naturopaths have dual or even triple certifications, in additional important health care areas such as massage therapy, herbal study, yoga teaching, acupuncture, natural childbirth/doula, and more. Naturopaths pursue and promote continuing education throughout their lives, and serve as teachers and leaders in their communities. We and many others think it is one of the best, in it's restoration of health, focus on rejuvenation, avoidance of toxic drugs and needless surgeries, and support of the body's healing forces through time honored natural means. To a growing many, it is Primary Health Care. We are the Michgan Association of Naturopaths and Natural Physicians dedicated to supporting and empowering naturopaths in our area, to evolving the profession, and to serving the community through our practices, education, events, and activities. Visit our Professional Organization web site at
www.michigannaturopathsassociation.net |
