What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Founded upon a holistic philosophy, naturopathic medicine combines safe and effective traditional therapies with the most current advances in modern medicine. Naturopathic medicine is appropriate for the management of a broad range of health conditions affecting all people of all ages.

Education of a Licensed Naturopathic Physician

A licensed naturopathic physician (N.D.) attends a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D. The naturopathic physician also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling. A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.

What are Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine can be traced back to having been practiced over 3,000 years ago. It consists of using acupuncture, herbal and manual therapy, diet counseling, exercise and breathing techniques. Acupuncture utilizes hair-thin needles on specific points on the body to move energy (qi) and balance the meridians. Meridians are pathways on the body that conduct the flow of qi and blood. Putting needles on points on these pathways helps to normalize their flow.

Education of Licensed Acupuncturist

The Master of Science in Acupuncture degree program is three years. It consists of training in basic medical sciences, acupuncture practice and technique, herbal medical theory, oriental theory, diagnosis and application, oriental massage, and exercises. In addition, the acupuncturist must participate in an extensive clinical experience, supervised by licensed acupuncturists. There are two exams required for licensure: clean needle technique and boards.