WHAT IS THE PHIOSOPHY PRACTICED BY NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS?
Naturopathic physicians seek to restore and maintain optimal health. Naturopathic philosophy promotes wellness. Its goal is to find and
support the optimum balance between nutrition, lifestyle and use of therapies that best promote good health. The guiding principles of Naturopathy
include: FIRST DO NO HARM, Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective. FIND THE CAUSE, Physicians seek and treat the
underlying cause of a disease, not just the effect. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body’s natural attempt to heal. The origin of
disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover. TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON, no part of any biological system exists in isolation or is
completely separable from the rest. All parts of any whole are interconnected. A change in one part produces various types of changes in all
the other parts. PHYSICIANS AS TEACHER, The physician’s major role is to educate, empower and motivate patients to take responsibility for their
own health, Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with the patient has strong therapeutic value. PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE, Naturopathic
physicians are preventative medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors, heredity and susceptibility and intervene appropriately
to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.
ARE NATUROPATIC PHYSICIANS LICENSED?
The state of Connecticut is one of several states that requires Naturopathic physicians to be licensed in order to practice medicine.
Naturopathic Physicians must complete a four year medical program at an accredited Naturopathic School before they can take the licensure
examination. Naturopathic Physicians are required to renew their license every year to continue practicing medicine. The following states
currently license Naturopaths: Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathic medicine is suitable for all phases of life. Patients range in age from birth through geriatrics, including childhood, adolescence,
and men’s and women’s health issues. People who suffer from allergies, arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders,
or immune system disorders may benefit from naturopathic medicine.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT MY FIRST VISIT?
During your first office visit the doctor will be gathering a complete health history including information regarding your current complaint.
Each body system will be discussed, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive, urinary and skeletal. A family
health history and individual diet history are also taken. After a complete history is taken the doctor will discuss treatment possibilities. It
is important that the patient play an active role in these decisions.