Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage and individual’s inherent self-healing process. The practice of Naturopathic Medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.
Naturopathic Philosophy
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic Doctors (ND) follow three guidelines to avoid harming a patient or client
- Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;
- Avoid when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms; and
- Acknowledge, respect, and work with an individual’s self-healing process.
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Nature)
Naturopathic Medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in people that is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
Identify and Treat the Cause(s) (Tolle Causum)
The Naturopathic Doctor seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)
Naturopathic Doctors treat each person by taking into account individual physical, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental, and social factors, etc.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Naturopathic Doctors educate their patients and clients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient/client relationship.
Prevention
Naturopathic Doctors emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and by making appropriate intervention in partnership with their patients and clients to prevent illness.
ND Scope of Practice
Depending upon the legislative jurisdiction the scope of the naturopathic practice can differ. The most extensive scope of practice includes the use of nutrition (oral and intravenous), botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical/manual medicine, acupuncture, counseling, use, and prescription of pharmaceuticals, obstetrical care, and minor surgery. The most common differences generally encompass the ability for NDs to use and prescribe legend drugs, perform minor surgery, administer intravenous (IV) nutrients, and provide obstetrical care.
The State of Minnesota does not currently allow NDs to prescribe legend drugs, perform minor surgical procedures, administer IV nutrients or provide obstetrical care (unless the ND also has a professional license which includes these in their scope of practice, i.e., CPM, MD, etc.) or works in collaboration with another provider who carries a license with these privileges.
Thanks to the hard work of several people in and around Minnesota, NDs that have graduated from an accredited four-year residential Naturopathic Medical School and have passed a set of extensive board examinations can be registered as a Naturopathic Doctor in the State of Minnesota by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. This legislation is very important, as it ensures the preservation of the Naturopathic profession through continuity of high academic standards and clinical training, proficiency of medical knowledge, the maintenance of yearly continuing education, and most importantly provides for the safety of the public.
If you would like to learn more about Naturopathic Medicine, please visit the Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the American Association of Naturopathic Physician websites.
The Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians is currently working to:
- Maintain the rights of Naturopathic Doctors to provide healthcare in Minnesota
- Modernize the scope of Naturopathic practice in MN to include prescription rights
- Increase awareness of Naturopathic Medicine
If you would also like to support Naturopathic Medicine by facilitating our legislative work, please visit this link.
Dr. Tamara Darragh is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in integrative infertility, IVF and IUI support and preconception health. She serves the greater Twin Cities (Minnesota) and beyond via virtual consultation. If you’re interested in care, consider a FREE 15 Minute Discovery Call!
