FAQs
Naturopathy - Homeopathy
What is Naturopathy?
PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
~ Do no harm. Use the least invasive therapies possible.
~ Rely on the healing power of nature, both within the patient, and within the many natural agents that have therapeutic properties. Assist the body's self-healing tendencies.
~ Doctor as Teacher, providing education and guidance to help prevent disease and aim for vibrant health.
Of course, teachers learn from their students/patients, too!
~ Remove obstacles to cure: toxins, lifestyles habits...
~ Find and treat the root cause of disease, while also treating symptoms.
~ Treat the whole person and the uniqueness of the individual.
Naturopathic doctors are general family practice physicians licensed in the state of Washington, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases using natural therapies that support the body's inherent tendency to heal. Naturopathic medical education is a four year post-graduate program at accredited schools. Naturopaths are the highest trained physicians in the broadest scope of natural medicines, including herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, and naturopathic physical medicine. In terms of hours and topics, the education of MD's and ND's is very similar. Like MD's, ND's are trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, signs and symptoms, conventional physical exam skills, venipuncture, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, as well as pharmacology, minor surgery, and other subjects. Graduates must pass state board exams and meet annual continuing education requirements. ND's and MD's share much in common, although naturopaths specialize in natural medicine, rather than in pharmaceutical drugs and surgery, and have a somewhat different philosophical approach.
~ Do no harm. Use the least invasive therapies possible.
~ Rely on the healing power of nature, both within the patient, and within the many natural agents that have therapeutic properties. Assist the body's self-healing tendencies.
~ Doctor as Teacher, providing education and guidance to help prevent disease and aim for vibrant health.
Of course, teachers learn from their students/patients, too!
~ Remove obstacles to cure: toxins, lifestyles habits...
~ Find and treat the root cause of disease, while also treating symptoms.
~ Treat the whole person and the uniqueness of the individual.
Naturopathic doctors are general family practice physicians licensed in the state of Washington, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases using natural therapies that support the body's inherent tendency to heal. Naturopathic medical education is a four year post-graduate program at accredited schools. Naturopaths are the highest trained physicians in the broadest scope of natural medicines, including herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, and naturopathic physical medicine. In terms of hours and topics, the education of MD's and ND's is very similar. Like MD's, ND's are trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, signs and symptoms, conventional physical exam skills, venipuncture, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, as well as pharmacology, minor surgery, and other subjects. Graduates must pass state board exams and meet annual continuing education requirements. ND's and MD's share much in common, although naturopaths specialize in natural medicine, rather than in pharmaceutical drugs and surgery, and have a somewhat different philosophical approach.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that treats a set of symptoms and individual characteristics by using a minute dose of a substance that, in a large dose, could cause those same symptoms in a healthy person. For example, a painful rash caused by brushing against a nettle leaf can be calmed by taking the homeopathic remedy Urtica, made from nettles. It is thought that homeopathic remedies strengthen the body’s initial response to the insult, shoring up the body’s inherent mechanisms, thereby speeding healing.
This is in contrast to the way most conventional drugs work, by opposing the actions the body uses to deal with symptoms. An example of this would be treating a stuffed or runny nose with pseudoephedrine nose drops, which dry up nasal secretions, but can have a rebound effect when discontinued. Antihistamines may be effective, yet come with adverse effects such as drowsiness. Homeopathically, the remedy Allium cepa, made from the very onion that causes runny eyes and nose when chopping it, may be equally or more effective, and has no adverse or rebound effect.
Homeopathic remedies are very dilute and safe. They are made by a process of serial dilution and succussion, a form of shaking. The more dilute, the deeper the action is thought to be. This is in contrast to most other supplements and pharmaceuticals which are dosed in milligrams or greater, and more is given if more of an effect is desired.
There are a variety of ways to practice homeopathy. Constitutional prescription treats the entire, unique individual. Acute prescribing treats a current problem, usually more short-term in nature. Single or combination remedies can be used. Combination remedies are often more specific to the condition and organ system than to the person. There is also a method that uses drainage remedies. Homeopathy is gentle and capable of great effectiveness. More information can also be found at the National Center for Homeopathy.
This is in contrast to the way most conventional drugs work, by opposing the actions the body uses to deal with symptoms. An example of this would be treating a stuffed or runny nose with pseudoephedrine nose drops, which dry up nasal secretions, but can have a rebound effect when discontinued. Antihistamines may be effective, yet come with adverse effects such as drowsiness. Homeopathically, the remedy Allium cepa, made from the very onion that causes runny eyes and nose when chopping it, may be equally or more effective, and has no adverse or rebound effect.
Homeopathic remedies are very dilute and safe. They are made by a process of serial dilution and succussion, a form of shaking. The more dilute, the deeper the action is thought to be. This is in contrast to most other supplements and pharmaceuticals which are dosed in milligrams or greater, and more is given if more of an effect is desired.
There are a variety of ways to practice homeopathy. Constitutional prescription treats the entire, unique individual. Acute prescribing treats a current problem, usually more short-term in nature. Single or combination remedies can be used. Combination remedies are often more specific to the condition and organ system than to the person. There is also a method that uses drainage remedies. Homeopathy is gentle and capable of great effectiveness. More information can also be found at the National Center for Homeopathy.