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What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are graduates of accredited Naturopathic Medical schools (scroll to the bottom of this page to see what schools qualify for this distinction). We are specially trained to treat the root cause of disease by correcting underlying imbalances using natural therapies and minimally invasive techniques. NDs may differ by specializing in conditions or populations they treat, but we share the passion of treating patients by examining their unique symptoms, resulting in very individualized care. There’s no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to your health.
‘Naturopathic physicians are clinically trained primary care physicians who have graduated from a four-year naturopathic medical school. They work with patients in all aspects of family health to identify the underlying causes of disease and provide evidence-informed therapies to help facilitate the body’s ability to restore and maintain optimal health.’ Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
It is a holistic approach using natural therapies to attain optimal physical and mental health. Naturopathic medicine stimulates the body’s innate ability to heal and supports weakened systems; suppressive treatments are avoided. Recommended therapies may include botanical medicine, homeopathy, supplementation, clinical nutrition, sleep hygiene, and many, many other options.
‘Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that concentrates on whole-patient wellness while emphasizing prevention and the process of self-healing through the use of natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment.’ Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges
Naturopathic medicine recommendations typically follow The Therapeutic Order, to which the whole person is treated in the least invasive way possible. Though this appears to follow an order, multiple steps are often taking place at any given time.
1. Establish the foundation for optimum health | determinants of health
2. Stimulate self-healing | the healing power of nature
3. Support and restore compromised systems | organ support
4. Address physical alignment | restore structural integrity
5. Natural symptom relief | natural symptom control
6. Synthetic symptom relief | synthetic symptom control
7. High force intervention | suppress pathology/function
The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
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Do No Harm
(Primum non nocere) Naturopathic doctors typically approach care by utilizing the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies. NDs will refer out to a specialized doctor when the patient’s presentation is outside their scope or level of skill.
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The Healing Power of Nature
(Vis medicatrix naturae) Naturopathic doctors recognize the value of our natural world in assisting the healing process. NDs recognize and harness the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself in order to guide patients to wellness and total health.
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Doctor as Teacher
(Docere) Naturopathic doctors elevate patient health literacy. Through education and a relationship built on trust, patients better understand the steps they need to take to achieve and maintain health.
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Identify and Treat the Root Cause
(Tolle causum) There is a time and place for symptom suppression. However, most naturopathic patients will benefit from identifying the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure.
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Treat the Whole Person
(Tolle totum) Naturopathic doctors understand the interconnectedness of our body, our environment, and our lifestyle on total health. It is only through this whole-person-based approach that NDs seek to restore balance and health.
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Prevention
(Prevenir) Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is superior to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible. Through their comprehensive practice, NDs combine all six principles in order to identify potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well.
Accredited Schools
NDs earn their degree by graduating from a rigorous 4-year medical program at an accredited school. The following schools have achieved accreditation by the only US Department of Education recognized accrediting body for naturopathic medicine, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME):
Bastyr University- Seattle, WA + San Diego, CA
National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) - Portland, OR
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) - Lombard, IL
Southwest College of Natural Medicine (SCNM) - Tempe, AZ
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine - Vancouver, BC
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) - Toronto, ON
ND licensing
To follow current licensing efforts in Michigan and view other ND information:
Michigan Association of Naturopathic Physicians (MANP)
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
The state of Michigan does not currently regulate Naturopathic Medicine or Naturopathic Doctors, therefore Dr. Phillips cannot act as your primary care physician (PCP). We recommend that you remain under the care of your PCP and utilize naturopathic medicine as a complimentary modality.
Image credit/link: https://naturopathic.org/page/RegulatedStates
‘Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.” Juvenal