Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive and integrative profession of primary health care emphasizing promotion of optimal health by utilizing the best of traditional, natural therapies and modern scientific medicine. Naturopathic medicine came into existence over 100 years ago and strongly adheres to Hippocrates’ concept of “vis medicatrix naturae” – the healing power of nature with the use of herbal remedies, dietary interventions and lifestyle changes as a means to improve health. Naturopathic doctors are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions.
Naturopathic doctors receive rigorous training at accredited, four-year, post-graduate, residential naturopathic medical programs before taking state board exams in order to become licensed naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic medical education consists of premedical undergraduate courses followed by the comprehensive study of conventional medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecology, etc. In addition to theses studies is extensive coursework in natural therapies such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, bio-identical hormones, physical medicine and counseling. Naturopathic treatments are effective in treating a wide variety of conditions and naturopathic therapies can be used to complement treatments used by conventionally trained medical doctors.
The principles of naturopathic medicine that serve as the underlying philosophy and foundation for naturopathic doctors are as follows:
- The healing power of nature
- Identify and treat the cause
- First, do no harm
- Doctor as teacher
- Treat the whole person
- Prevention
- Wellness
Naturopathic medicine here at Clear Center of Health is offered by Dr. Kate Tenney. In addition to being a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Tenney also specializes in naturopathic gynecology. Your initial consultation with Dr. Tenney is a one-hour visit consisting of a full medical and lifestyle history. Dr. Tenneycreates an individualized treatment plan that may include clinical nutrients, bio-identical hormones, botanical medicine, nutritional and lifestyle advice.
This information about naturopathic medicine is a modified version of information at the websites for Bastyr University and the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
