What is naturopathy?

thenewme

So many people here talk about their naturopathic (or "naturalpath") doctors, and I was curious about what qualifications, training, or licensing it takes to become a naturopath.   I'm disappointed, although not surprised, that the title really doesn't mean squat.  

What is Naturopathy?

rosemary-b

Interesting. This should be the start of an important conversation.

tswift

In North America, Naturopathic Doctors, ND's, Naturopathic Medical Doctors NMD's, are all highly trained, licensed and regulated (varies from state to state and province to province in Canada).  There are also those who take on extra certification and are given the designation of FABNO (Fellow of the American Brotherhood of Naturopathic Oncologists).  There are a great many ND's who enjoy working with Cancer patients, such as myself, who have expereince with improving quality of life, and have experience with life transitions.  Not sure which part of the world you are in.  I know in Australia, very little education (2 years) is required to be called a naturopath.  In North America, a minimum of 8 years of university is required and standardized certification exams, which are strenuous on a good day.  It is always important to seek out an ND who has graduated, is certified and licensed (also regulated) to assure you that this Doctor has the training and education needed.  There are only 6 certified educational institutions in North America that can grant a diploma for naturopathic Medicine.  There are alot of "un D's" out there calling themselves, natural healer, nature doctor's, naturalpaths, but ND's will gladly thell you who they are regualted by, where they receied theie education and where to complain if something is not up to you expectations.  And ND's can legally call themselves Doctors, the others cannot, but still may.  Hope this clear it up a little for you-as far as North America goes.

thenewme

Hi Tswift,

Did you read the link I posted?  Since this is a breast cancer group and since you say you're an ND, I wonder if you'd care to share more about naturopathic treatments for breast cancer.  What methodologies do you use in cancer treatment?

There's lots of interesting reading about naturopathic treatment on www.sciencebasedmedicine.org and other evidence-based sites.  

Here's an interesting piece about naturopaths who specifically claim to be "naturopathic oncologists:"

'Naturopathic Oncology' Absurdity - Cancer Specialists Who Admit They're Not Qualified: 

dlb823

I've also noticed that there can be a wide range of education and training for naturopathic doctors, as well as differences in their specific areas of interest.  I feel very fortunate to have found one whose credentials include a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from a fully accredited 4-year naturopathic college, on top of a BS from a top university in psychobiology, plus a couple of internships (including one in oncology) and specialzed training in Chinese medicine.  But I still use her for only a narrow area of concern --  not my overall care.   I would never use her, for example, to treat bc, nor does she offer anything that outrageous.  And she's always told me if we can't improve something naturally (e.g. the osteopenia I originally consulted her about), I may have to consider pharmaceuticals in the future.

Mine has a dispensary for a few very high quality supplements -- brands you don't find at Whole Foods, and actually some of the same ones that are available @ UCLA.  But she never RX's those particular brands or pushes them.  It's just a convenience if you want to get them there, and I've found they're usually less expensive than they are on-line.  

While there are several other local naturopathic doctors I wouldn't think of bothering with, I can't imagine not having this particular doctor on my team!  But I think you have to be very careful to find one who has real solid training and some interest in and experience with bc -- not one whose practice is primarily weight loss or anti-aging.     Deanna 

thenewme

Hi Deanna,

I couldn't agree more! It sounds like your ND is a really great part of your team!  I wish they were all as upfront and honest about what they CAN do as well as what they CAN'T do.   If a naturopathic treatment helps with overall health or even overall mental or physical well-being, then I'm all for it, even for things with no fact-based scientific evidence of benefit.  In my opinion, the problem stems from false hope and exaggerated claims. Once again, I wish I was closer to UCLA, Deanna!