Naturopathic Philosophy
The education and training of primary care providers and naturopathic doctors are very similar. The differences between the two stem mainly in philosophy. Naturopathic doctors believe the body has an innate ability to heal. And we see this all of the time! If we skin our knee or cut ourselves, the body stops the bleeding, produces a scab and makes new skin all on its own! If you get a cold, you eventually get over it...and faster if you rest and support the immune system. The body is the most miraculous thing on the planet and it knows what to do to heal and return to balance. Naturopathic doctors believe our job is to remove impediments to healing and stimulate the body to do its job.
Naturopathic doctors follow these principles of healing:
In Colorado, registered Naturopathic Doctors are required to attend a 4 year, resident naturopathic medical school that is accredited by the Federal Department of Education. Once their educational and clinical hours are completed, they must then pass a national board exam (NPLEX) that is administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). There are six accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America.
Bastyr University
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM)
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS)
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
University of Bridgeport