About Naturopathic Medicine
History of Naturopathy
Naturopathic medicine in the United States came into existence just over 100 years ago, developed by a man named Benedict Lust in New York state. While the profession by name is just a century old, the natural therapies and philosophy on which naturopathic medicine are based have been effectively used to treat diseases since ancient times. The uses of herbal remedies, dietary interventions, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle changes have been documented throughout history and in nearly every culture to inhabit the Earth. Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived 2400 years ago, first formulated the concept of vis medicatrix naturae -- "the healing power of nature". This concept has long been at the core of medicine in many cultures around the world and remains one of the central themes of naturopathic philosophy today.
Naturopathic medicine was popular and widely available throughout the United States well into the early part of the 20th century. In 1920, there were many naturopathic medical schools, thousands of naturopathic physicians, and scores of thousands of patients using naturopathic therapies around the country. But by mid-century the rise of "technological medicine" and the discovery and increased use of "miracle drugs" like antibiotics were associated with the temporary decline of naturopathic medicine and most other methods of natural healing.
By the 1970's, however, the American public was becoming increasingly disenchanted with what had become "conventional medicine." The profound clinical limitations and its out-of-control costs were becoming obvious, and millions of Americans were inspired to look for options and alternatives. Naturopathy, and all of complementary and alternative medicine, began to enter an era of rejuvenation.
Naturopathic Medicine Today
Today, more people than ever are seeking naturopathic medical
care and naturopathic medical schools are growing at record
rates to accommodate the increased demand for naturopathic
education. Presently, there are four accredited four-year
naturopathic medical programs in the United States, and
one program in Ontario, Canada. Naturopathic medicine has
an independent accrediting agency, the Council on Naturopathic
Medical Education (CNME - www.cnme.org),
which is the recognized authority for establishing and maintaining
the educational standards for the profession. A nationally
standardized licensing exam (NPLEX) has been established,
which is used in nearly all of the states, which currently
license NDs. Eleven states license NDs (as does Puerto Rico
and four Canadian provinces). In these states, NDs practice
as independent primary care general practitioners, with
the ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform
physical exams, and order laboratory testing. State licensing
allows health care consumers to specifically choose qualified
NDs as their primary care providers or adjunctive health
care providers.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP
– www.naturopathic.org ) is the driving force for the development of the profession,
and is the national organization representing naturopathic
physicians. The AANP is instrumental in the development
of the profession’s educational and practice standards,
and to expanding awareness of the vital role naturopathic
medicine has to play in the future of the health care system
in the United States.
Today, naturopathic doctors are experiencing greater recognition
as health care practitioners who are experts in the field
of natural and preventive medicine, providing leadership
in natural medical research, enjoying increasing political
influence, and looking forward to an unlimited future potential.
Both the American public and policy makers are recognizing
and contributing to the resurgence of the comprehensive
system of health care practiced by NDs.
Trends for the Future of Naturopathic Medicine
The 1990’s has been a decade of great achievement for the naturopathic profession: several states received licensure (including Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont among others), enrollment in naturopathic medical programs more than doubled, two new naturopathic medical programs were started, the first publicly funded natural health care clinic was initiated, a naturopathic institution was designated as a NIH Office of Alternative Medicine research center, and two naturopathic physicians were appointed by the federal Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to the NIH’s Alternative Medicine Program Advisory Council (AMPAC).
As we enter the twenty-first century, the naturopathic profession finds itself well positioned for a new era in health care. With more and more research supporting the therapies used by naturopathic physicians, and the public demand for greater choice and increased access to more natural approaches to their health care, naturopathic medicine is poised to make the transition from “alternative” medicine to truly “mainstream” medicine.