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Definition
and Description
Naturopathic
medicine is a distinct profession of primary health care,
emphasizing prevention, treatment and the promotion of optimal
health through the use of therapeutic methods and modalities,
which encourage the self-healing process, the vis medicatrix
naturae. The philosophical approach of naturopathic medicine
includes prevention of disease, encouragement of the body's
inherent healing abilities, natural treatment of the whole
person, personal responsibility for one's health, and education
of patients in health-promoting lifestyles. Naturopathic practice
blends centuries-old knowledge of natural, nontoxic therapies
with current advances in the understanding of health and human
systems. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family
and primary care, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and all natural
medicine modalities.
The
U.S. Department of Labor defines the naturopathic physician
as one who "diagnoses, treats, and cares for patients,
using a system of practice that bases its treatment of all
physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural
laws governing the body, utilizes physiological, psychological
and mechanical methods, such as air, water, heat, earth, phytotherapy
(treatment by use of plants), electrotherapy, physiotherapy,
minor or orificial surgery, mechanotherapy, naturopathic corrections
and manipulation, and all natural methods or modalities, together
with natural medicines, natural processed foods, herbs, and
natural remedies. Excludes major surgery, therapeutic use
of x-ray and radium, and use of drugs, except those assimilable
substances containing elements or compounds which are compounds
of body tissues and are physiologically compatible to body
processes for maintenance of life."
Most
naturopathic physicians provide primary care natural medicine
through office-based, private practice. Many receive additional
training in disciplines or modalities such as midwifery, acupuncture
and Oriental medicine, homeopathy, psychotherapy, and Ayurvedic
medicine to broaden the services they can offer their patients.
An increasing trend is the establishment of associate practices
and interdisciplinary integrated care clinics, bringing together
the services of a diverse group of practitioners.
Naturopathic
diagnosis and therapeutics are supported by scientific research
drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including
naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary
medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy,
homeopathy, psychology and spirituality. Information technology
and new concepts in clinical outcomes assessment are particularly
well-suited to evaluating the effectiveness of naturopathic
treatment protocols and are being used in research, both at
naturopathic medical schools and in the offices of practicing
physicians. Clinical research into natural therapies has become
an increasingly important focus for naturopathic physicians.
Nature
and Medicine
Naturopathic
physicians excel in their ability to diagnose patients’ highly
individual experience of illness, to search deeply for the
interrelationships between organ systems, to comprehend the
impact of patients’ relationships with their environment both
physical and interpersonal. We strive to perceive what must
be cured in disease, in each individual case of disease.
With
over 629 million patient visits to complementary and alternative
medicine practitioners each year, it is no wonder that physicians,
health policy leaders, and most importantly, patients are
calling for “integration and professional collaboration so
that a health care workforce that includes a diversity of
disciplines can be assured of providing a coherent set of
patient care services in the future.” Licensed naturopathic
physicians will be among the leaders of this emerging healthcare
system.
Educated
with a solid foundation in Biomedical Sciences and Western
diagnostic methods (including a thorough history, physical
exam, labwork and imaging studies) naturopathic physicians
reach a profound diagnostic understanding of patients’ health
problems, and provide treatment plans that include conventional
and alternative therapies.
The
treatment must always take into account the patient’s individuality
and an understanding of the vis medicatrix naturae, the healing
power of nature.
First
described in western medicine by Hippocrates, the vis medicatrix
naturae, is also referred to as chi in Chinese Medicine, prana
in Ayurveda, and vital force in homeopathy. When alive, the
vis medicatrix naturae enables humans and other living beings
to resist entropy and decay, unlike inanimate objects that
are subject to these effects. Creating treatment plans that
harness the healing power of nature, that incorporate dietary
and lifestyle improvements, that employ the least invasive,
least harmful and most effective therapies, is the art, the
heart and the essence of naturopathic medicine.
Principles
The
Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic
medicine recognizes an inherent ability in the body which
is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to
identify and remove obstacles to recovery and to facilitate
and augment this healing ability.
Identify
and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
The
naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying
causes of illness, rather than to eliminate or merely suppress
symptoms.
First
Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic
medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient:
1) utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize
the risk of harmful side effects; 2) avoid, when possible,
the harmful suppression of symptoms; 3) acknowledge and respect
the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary
to diagnose and treat illness.
Doctor
as Teacher (Docere)
Naturopathic
physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility
for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent
in the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat
the Whole Person
Naturopathic
physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical,
mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors.
Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic
physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal
spiritual path.
Prevention
Naturopathic
physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk
factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making
appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Naturopathic
medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity
may thrive.
Wellness
Wellness
follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health
and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized
by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent
in everyone, no matter what disease(s) is/are being experienced.
If wellness is really recognized and experienced by an individual,
it will more quickly heal a given disease than direct treatment
of the disease alone. (This principle was adopted by InterAmerican
University and added to the six principles.)
History
The
term "naturopathy" was coined in 1892 to describe
a rapidly growing system of natural therapeutics, originally
organized in response to the increasing disillusionment of
physicians and patients with the toxic and ineffective methods
of the so-called heroic age of medicine.
The
philosophy and the therapies, which have their origins in
Hippocrates and the traditional and indigenous medicines of
the world, first became a distinct profession in Germany in
the mid-1800s. In 1896, Dr. Benedict Lust (MD) brought naturopathy
to America and established the first naturopathic college,
the Yungborn Health Institute in New Jersey.
The
resurgence of naturopathic medicine today is yet another chapter
in the millennia-old division between two different views
of medicine, well-symbolized by the Grecian myths of Hygieia
and Asclepius. Rene Dubois speaks of these symbols in The
Mirage of Health:
"The
myths of Hygieia and Asclepius symbolize the never-ending
oscillation between two different points of view in medicine.
For the worshippers of Hygieia, health is the natural order
of things, a positive attribute to which men are entitled
if they govern their lives wisely. According to them, the
most important function of medicine is to discover and teach
the natural laws which will ensure a man a healthy mind in
a healthy body.
"More
skeptical, or wiser in the ways of the world, the followers
of Asclepius believe that the chief role of the physician
is to treat disease, to restore health by correcting any imperfections
caused by the accidents of birth or life."
Today's
naturopathic physician easily blends modern, state-of-the-art
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and research with ancient
and traditional methods, uniting Hygieia and Asclepius. We
represent a thoroughly rational, evenhanded balance of tradition,
science and respect for nature, mind, body and spirit.
Naturopathic
medicine's rebirth in the last quarter of the twentieth century
has also resulted from a growing consumer movement to solve
the health care puzzle using prevention, wellness and respect
for nature's inherent healing ability. These fundamental,
unifying principles of naturopathic medicine can be identified
in disciplines as diverse as constitutional hydrotherapy and
homeopathy, as well as those more traditional in the Western
view of health care, such as nutrition and botanical medicine.
Legal
Status
As
of April, 2002, naturopathic physicians are licensed as health
care providers in Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine,
Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the District of Columbia and
Kansas, naturopathic physicians must register in order to
practice. Legislation was passed in Puerto Rico, but the licensing
structure is not yet in effect. Legal provisions allow the
practice of naturopathic medicine in several other states.
Efforts to gain licensure elsewhere are currently under way.
Thirty-three states and territories in the United States have
professional associations for naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic
physicians are also recognized in British Columbia, Manitoba,
Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Licensure
Requirements
All
states and provinces with licensure laws require a resident
course of at least four years and 4,100 hours of study from
a college or university recognized by the state examining
board. To qualify for a license, the applicant must satisfactorily
pass the naturopathic physicians licensing examinations (NPLEX)
which includes basic sciences, diagnostic and therapeutic
subjects and clinical sciences. While test results on the
state of Washington NPLEX licensing exams are not an indicator
of whether or not someone will be a good doctor, they do demonstrate
the knowledge base that an individual will take into his or
her practice of naturopathic medicine. InterAmerican University
students have historically done extremely well on the NPLEX
exams.
Applicants
must satisfy all licensing requirements for the individual
state or province to which they have applied as well. Please
consult the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians'
website for current licensure information: www.naturopathic.org
For
extensive information about licensing requirements for your
state, visit The Alliance
Legislative Workbook.
Programs
of Study
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE. GRADUATE PROGRAM
Program
Information
The
naturopathic medicine department educates future physicians
in the tradition of medical science and art of natural healing.
We do this by providing a comprehensive understanding of the
basic medical sciences, accurate diagnostic skills and the
ability to apply the natural and minimally invasive methods
of whole-person health care characteristic of naturopathic
medicine.
A
graduate of InterAmerican University's Naturopathic Medicine
Program will:
- Be
an empowered, strong practitioner.
- Be
a primary care physician.
- Be
a provider of excellent and consistent, quality patient
care.
- Practice
the principles of naturopathic medicine.
- Be
an integrated, active participant in the community.
Scope
of Practice
Naturopathic
medicine is defined by principles rather than by methods or
modalities. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods are diverse
and will continue to evolve as knowledge of health and disease
evolves. The current scope of practice for a naturopathic
physician covers the general practice of naturopathic medicine,
as a primary care physician. This scope of practice includes,
but is not limited to, the following diagnostic and therapeutic
modalities: nutritional science, natural hygiene, botanical
medicine, naturopathic physical medicine (including the therapeutic
application of water, heat, cold, air, earth and light), homeopathy,
Ayurvedic medicine, counseling, spirituality, minor surgery
and methods of laboratory and clinical diagnosis. The scope
of practice is defined by state or provincial statute. The
curriculum at InterAmerican University matches the requirements
listed by the Washington Department of Health. Students have
the responsibility to be informed on licensure and scope of
practice in the legal jurisdiction in which they choose to
practice.
Career
Opportunities
Many
InterAmerican naturopathic graduates create private practices.
Some seek additional training through the naturopathic midwifery
certificate program or take a dual track with the master of
science in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, broadening the
services they can offer their patients. An increasing trend
is the establishment of associate practices and interdisciplinary
clinics, bringing together the services of a diverse group
of practitioners. Faculty and administrative positions are
current career opportunities for InterAmerican-trained physicians.
Clinical research on natural therapies is also becoming an
increasingly important professional opportunity for naturopathic
graduates.
ACCUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE
Licensure
Requirements
Acupuncture
and Oriental medicine, a discipline that bridges the medicines
of East and West, is one of the fastest growing health care
professions in America today. InterAmerican University, with
its broad curriculum and deep respect for both traditional
methods and rigorous Western science, is an ideal setting
for foundation study in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
InterAmerican's
combined bachelor's/master's program awards student both a
bachelor of science in natural health sciences and a master
of science in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Students
who have completed at least 2 years at the undegraduate level
(60 semester or 90 quarter credits) have the opportunity to
earn their bachelor's degree in combination with either the
master of science in acupuncture or the masters of science
in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Undergraduate
Program: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Program
Information
The
field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in America is rooted
in the traditional medicine of China that has evolved over
the past several thousand years. The contemporary model of
natural health care education and practice in China is the
combined system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and
Western medicine. This system has strongly inspired the current
programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine at InterAmerican
University. These programs are closely interrelated and require
the same foundation studies in traditional Chinese medicine.
InterAmerican
offers the following degree/certificate options:
- Bachelor
of Science in Natural Health Sciences/Master of Science
in Acupuncture (BSNHS/MSA)
- Bachelor
of Science in Natural Health Sciences/Master of Science
in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (BSNHS/MSAOM)
- Master
of Science in Acupuncture (MSA)
- Master
of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM)
Combined
Bachelors/Masters Program (BSNHS/MSA or BSNHS/MSAOM):
Students
who have completed at least 2 years at the undergraduate level
(60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) have the opportunity
to earn their bachelor's degree in combination with either
the master of science in acupuncture or the master of science
in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Master's program prerequisites
must also be met prior to matriculation. The bachelor's degree
is awarded at the time of graduation from the master's program.
Master
of Science in Acupuncture
The
MSA provides the didactic and clinical training necessary
for eligibility for the national acupuncture board exams and
for licensing in most states. This is a three calendar year
course of study.
Master
of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
The
MSAOM is the model comprehensive degree program. It includes
all the didactic and clinical training of the MSA but also
includes Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese medical language.
This is a three and a half calendar year course of study.
New
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Doctoral Program
The
mission of the acupuncture and Oriental medicine doctoral
program at InterAmerican University is to train qualified
practitioners in an integrated clinical approach to oncology.
This is accomplished through: 1) rigorous training in advanced
concepts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and biomedical
theory and 2) an emphasis on training practitioners to be
able to work in collaborative clinical settings. The program
is committed to producing graduates who are prepared for lifelong
learning in the field.
The
AOM clinical doctorate is focused on training students in
cancer care and treatment with an emphasis on training in
integrated clinical settings. Courses include Advanced Chinese
Medical Classics, Advanced Acupuncture Techniques, Chinese
herbs and therapeutics classes. Basic science classes focus
on oncology pertaining to pathology and pharmacology. The
program also includes nutrition, grand rounds and counseling
courses. A research project is required. This course of study
is intended to be taken on a part-time basis over 11 quarters.
The
degree title is "DAOM," doctor of acupuncture and
Oriental medicine. At the present time, there is no change
in scope of practice for doctoral students. Students would
choose to pursue this training if they are 1) interested in
a doctoral degree in TCM, 2) interested in oncology care and
/or 3) interested in learning to conduct research. This is
a clinical doctoral degree, not a PhD program.
The
acupuncture and Oriental medicine program is very excited
about this new doctoral degree. Additional information is
available pending approval of the doctoral program by the
university's regional accreditor (NASC).
GRADUATE
PROGRAM
The
Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at
InterAmerican University integrates the rich history of Chinese
acupuncture methods with the study of modern medical sciences
and the contemporary practice of acupuncture and Oriental
medicine. In addition to the fundamental traditional Chinese
methods of diagnosis, therapeutics, techniques and Chinese
herbal medicine, courses are offered in five element style
acupuncture, acupuncture detoxification and electroacupuncture.
Graduate
clinical training is guided by experienced Asian- and Western-trained
acupuncturists at the InterAmerican Center for Natural Health
and at various off-site clinic placements. An exciting adjunct
to the clinical internship is the option of a clinical intensive
at the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine --
both in China.
NUTRITION
The
Nutrition Department of InterAmerican University offers a
Bachelor
of Science in Natural Health Sciences with a major in Nutrition.
This undergraduate bachelor's completion program is the only
nutrition-based program in the country associated with an
accredited school of naturopathic medicine. The curriculum
offers a well-rounded, holistic learning base that incorporates
both traditional and innovative knowledge and practices.
Students
in the undergraduate nutrition program come from varied backgrounds,
including nursing, culinary school and business. All bring
an avid interest in health issues, adding richness to the
close-knit student body which benefits, like all InterAmerican
programs, from study within a diverse healing community. Nutrition
students are preparing for roles as supportive nutrition educators
under the supervision of health care professionals or for
graduate work in related health sciences. The food industry
and research also offer career opportunities for nutrition
graduates.
Nutrition
Program
The
nutrition program offers a BS in natural health sciences with
major in nutrition, as well as a new major in exercise science
and wellness and an MS in nutrition. The program also features
a didactic program in dietetics internship that meet the American
Dietetic Association (ADA) academic requirements leading to
eligibility for the registration examination for dietitians
and active membership in the ADA. The university's nutrition
program is founded upon the holistic origins of the Greek
word diaira (diet), "made of life," and Latin dićta,
"daily fare." The nutrition program emphasizes the
study of the physiological, biochemical, socioeconomic, political
and psychological aspects of human nutrition and physical
activity.
InterAmerican
University's nutrition program prepares graduates to critically
evaluate the scientific literature and to incorporate current
research and advances in nutrition and exercise science. The
BS in natural health sciences with a major in nutrition prepares
students for roles as supportive nutrition educators under
the supervision of health care professionals or for graduate
work in related health science fields. Graduates of the BS
in natural health sciences with a major in exercise science
and wellness may develop careers as exercise specialists,
personal trainers, fitness leaders, and wellness or sports
nutrition educators in both the nonprofit and corporate arenas.
The MS degree prepares graduates for roles as professional
nutrition consultants in food programs, outpatient clinic
settings, or independent practices. The food industry, research,
and health and fitness businesses also offer career opportunities
for nutrition graduates.
The
nutrition program is unique in its emphasis on whole foods
and multicultural, political, and ecological dimensions of
diet and world food supply within the overall context of basic,
clinical and community nutrition. These aspects of nutrition,
blended with biochemistry and physiology, reflect the university's
natural health sciences philosophy. The concept of food as
medicine and the concept of diet as a critical component in
healing are fundamental to natural therapeutics, optimal health
and whole-person healing.
The
goal of the exercise science and wellness major is to improve
the health and well-being of the community through education,
research, and the promotion of physical activity as a foundation
for health. This academic program applies a holistic approach
to exercise training, therapy, and performance, and encourages
applied research within the areas of sports nutrition, exercise
physiology, exercise science and movement therapies.
Legal
Status Of Nutritionists
Students
may inquire at their state or province licensing department
to obtain information regarding certification or licensing
as nutritionists.
GRADUATE
The
Master of Science in Nutrition is the only nutrition program
in the country associated with an accredited school of naturopathic
medicine. This translates into training in core competencies
around issues and practices widely recognized within the field
of nutrition, along with unique alternative opportunities.
In addition, for those interested in becoming dietitians,
InterAmerican offers the option of the Didactic Program in
Dietetics.
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