1. What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathy is a traditional and a holistic approach to health. It is based on natural and preventative care. Naturopathic medicine combines many methodologies, such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic adjustment, homeopathy and herbal cures, along with sensible concepts such as good nutrition, exercise and relaxation techniques. Some refer to it as “alternative care”, which is ironic, since naturopathy and naturopathic medicine are rooted in many age-old remedies that predate what’s known as “modern medicine”. A core concept is one of “doing no harm”, and complementing any necessary treatment. The terms naturopathy and naturopathic medicine are often interchangeable.

2. How Naturopathy cures diseases without medicines?

Human body is one of the greatest examples of God’s Ingenuity. The body has the capacity to fight against diseases and many of the diseases are self limiting. Unfortunately we do not take a chance for the body to heal. Naturopathy assists the patient to rejuvenate the bodies capacity to heal.

3. What is hydro therapy?

Water is an important element used as an ancient method of treatment. Steam bath, Hipbath, Hot and cold fomentation, Hot foot bath, Spinal bath, Immersion bath are some of the methods of treatment in Hydrotherapy. Water baths opens up all pores of the skin, instills lightness and smartness to the body, all systems and muscles of body are activated and the blood circulation improves.

4. How does an ND differ from an MD?

NDs and MDs attend four-year graduate level accredited medical schools, with similar training in the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology. Most MDs go on to residencies and internships; NDs do internships and may also do residency training. NDs, like MDs, must pass state board exams to practice in licensed states.

In clinical training, MDs are often trained in hospital settings which emphasize specialty views of patient care. So, the MD student may spend time observing cardiac patients or internal medicine cases with emphasis on treating specific conditions. ND students are more often trained in community clinic settings and preceptorships with NDs in private practice, which lend to more general approaches to primary care.

5. Do naturopathic doctors use acupuncture or Chinese herbs?

Sometimes. Some naturopathic doctors spend extra time (usually a year’s worth of education, and usually earning a Master’s Degree in the process) training in the use of these two modalities. A naturopathic doctor requires further certification before being allowed to practice either of these modalities in California.

6. What kind of training does a naturopathic doctor have?

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians who have attended a four-year naturopathic medical school, are clinically trained, and work in all aspects of family health — from pediatric to geriatric care. (See a list of the states, provinces and territories that license NDs).

Most NDs provide primary care through office-based private practice. Many receive additional training in areas such as midwifery and acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Because NDs view natural remedies as complementary as well as primary, they cooperate with other medical professionals, referring patients to (and receiving patients from) conventional medical doctors, surgeons and other specialists when appropriate.

7. Is naturopathic medicine cost-effective?

Yes. Because NDs utilize a preventive approach that reduces the incidence of high-cost chronic conditions, naturopathic medicine reduces long-term health care costs.

8. Is there a difference between a “naturopath” and a “naturopathic doctor”?

Yes, although the differences can be confusing. The term “Naturopathic Doctor” can only be used by licensed medical practitioners who have attended an approved naturopathic medical school and practice in a licensed state. In an unlicensed state, both terms can be freely used by anyone, regardless of their background or training. Some of these practitioners may have an extensive background of information and years of experience treating patients. Others may have only attended a weekend workshop. Naturopathic doctors are very proud of their schooling and the education they have received.

9. What is mud therapy?

Mud is one of the great five elements in nature.  The mud, before use is sterilised in sun rays. It dilutes and absorbs the toxic substances of body and ultimately eliminates them from body. Mud packs and mud bath are main forms of this treatment.

10. What is diet therapy?

In diet therapy, quality and quantity of diet is modified and regulated as per the requirements.  Diet must be provided in natural form during the treatment period. Fresh seasonal fruits, fresh green leafy vegetables and sprouts are excellent from this point of view.

11. What are the fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine?

The practice of naturopathic medicine has been guided by six fundamental principles that have endured through the years. These principles are:

• the belief in the nate capacity for self-healing of the human body;
• identify and remove the root cause of the patient’s health condition;
• do not offer treatments that may harm the patient;
• treat the whole person (holistic treatment);
• educate the patient;
• and promote prevention.

12. Why tea, coffee, smoking zarda, alcohol are advised to be given up abruptly instead of tapering?

Tea, Coffee, Smoking, Zarda, Alcohol are not the basic needs of the body such as food and sleep. They are acquired habits. Some of these create acidity in the stomach. These can be avoided easily. Sooner you give it up, the better.

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