What is naturopathic medicine?

Modern Naturopathic medicine is a science and an art that combines the best of natural therapies and conventional medicine. The core goal of naturopathic medicine is to encourage the natural ability of the body to heal itself using the most curative and least invasive therapies possible. To accomplish this goal, licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) employ a wide array of safe and effective methods such as: mind/body medicine, nutrition, exercise education, homeopathy, hydrotherapy,and intravenous nutrient therapy to list but a few. Recently there has been a tremendous burst of research illuminating the effectiveness of therapies used by naturopathic doctors. The National Institute of Health now has a branch that funds research in complementary and alternative medicine.

Naturopathic medicine has a rich and multifaceted history. It has been cross-pollinated by multiple streams of natural healing. Some of the many schools of thought that have influenced its development include: the European-based "Nature Cure" and "Water Cure" movements, chiropractic and osteopathic medicine, homeopathy, the early American "eclectic physicians" and conventional allopathic medicine. This eclectic nature still remains in modern naturopathic medicine and adds creativity and individuality to the treatment plans recommended by its practitioners.

Naturopathic medicine is especially suited for the treatment of modern ills, which usually have multifactorial causes. Naturopathic doctors (ND) strive to treat each patient as an individual and to find the root cause of the disease. In my opinion there is great value in the individualization of medical treatment. True healing can not happen using a "cookie cutter" approach to disease. To give a specific example, depression is often treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs lengthen the amount of time that serotonin (a chemical that transmits nervous impulses) remains in the spaces (synapses) between neurons in the brain. These drugs help many people get over the symptoms of depression in the short term. However, they often do not correct the underlying imbalance that caused the depression. In addition to the obvious situational stressors that would cause depression in most people, there are a host of neurotransmitters (other than serotonin), hormone imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies that can also be factors in this disease. The naturopathic approach to depression would be to examine these other factors and tailor the treatment plan to the specific patient.

What type of training do naturopathic doctors have?

Present day licensed naturopathic doctors are trained in a 4 year post-graduate naturopathic medical school. Naturopathic medical schools require a 4 year bachelor's degree with all the pre-med requirements for admission. Many naturopathic doctors also do residencies after graduation. Naturopathic doctors study all the same basic biomedical and diagnostic sciences that are taught in conventional medical schools. They are trained to use a number of diagnostic and treatment techniques, some of which include:

" lab diagnostics (both conventional and non-conventional) " physical diagnosis " imaging studies " counseling: lifestyle, nutritional and psychological " natural medicines such as: nutritional supplements, botanical medicines, and homeopathic medicines " Physical medicine techniques such as: hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy, physiotherapy modalities, exercise therapy and acupuncture " Family practice modalities such as: natural childbirth, minor surgery, and bio-identical hormones " Pharmacological agents: Prescription rights for naturopathic doctors currently vary from state to state. In New Hampshire naturopathic doctors prescribe naturally derived compounds such as some antibiotics and hormones.

The naturopathic profession has agreed on 6 underlying principles and Naturopathic doctors strive to hold to these basic tenants in their practices. They include:

" The healing power of nature. NDs employ therapies with the intent to support the natural ability of the body to heal itself. " First do no harm. Naturopathic doctors prefer to use safe, non-invasive therapies wherever possible. Licensed NDs are trained to know when a patient must be referred for emergency care and are happy to cooperate with other health care practitioners of various specialties. " Find the cause. NDs strive to find and remove obstacles that may be preventing true healing from taking place. These obstacles can be physical, chemical, environmental, mental/emotional, dietary or lifestyle-related. " Doctor as teacher. A high premium is placed on patient education in the naturopathic profession. We seek to educate and empower our patients to lead healthy lives on every level. " Treat the whole person. Disease affects the whole person. NDs attempt to help their patients heal all aspects of their lives. " Preventive medicine. Preventing disease is much better than (and much less expensive) treating it after it occurs. Preventive medicine is a major component of naturopathic practice.

Bert Mathieson, ND, RD, CDE is a Naturopathic Doctor, Registered Dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Educator. He received his nutrition degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a masters degree in sports psychology from York University in Toronto, Ontario and his doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ. He completed a dietetic internship through the Canadian Dietetic Association and a naturopathic residency at the Alaska Center for Natural Medicine in Fairbanks Alaska. Dr Mathieson has a general practice in naturopathic medicine and has a special interest in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight management and sports nutrition. He can be reached at:

Bert Mathieson N.D.
Pinewood Healing Arts
255 Route 108
Somersworth, NH 03878