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Dr Brown addressing
the British
Columbia Naturopathic Association |
is
a distinct system of healing. It is a philosophy, science,
art and practice which seeks to promote health through
education and the rational use of natural agents and processes.
Although the name “naturopathic” is of
relatively recent origin, the philosophical basis and
many of the methods of naturopathic medicine are ancient.
The modern naturopathic doctor is a true heir to the
Hippocratic tradition in medicine, based on “Let
your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your
food,” and “do no harm.”
In the late 1900’s a committee of practitioners
met and determined that this new practice incorporate
all natural methods of healing, including such elements
as botanical medicines, homeopathy, nutritional therapy,
medical electricity, psychology and manipulative therapies. The first school of Naturopathy
was founded in 1902 in New York City.
The healing power of nature is the foundation of naturopathic
philosophy and practice. Naturopathic therapies are
applied as a means of assisting and augmenting this
inherent healing power of nature.
The art of naturopathic medicine is the application
of this philosophy and science to the individual. The
naturopathic physician develops an ability to gain insight
into the causes and effects of personal health problems
and uses both knowledge and skill to assist patients
in finding solutions. Only in the role of teacher –
the literal meaning of “doctor” - can an
N.D. practice truly preventative medicine.
In helping people to understand how their life choices
affect their health, naturopathic doctors provide health
education. The ultimate role of the N.D. is to provide
each patient with the tools to achieve the highest possible
level of health and the encouragement to use these tools.
The naturopathic physician emphasizes the patient's
responsibility towards his or her own health and well-being.
The N.D. is trained as a primary-care practitioner,
able to provide a wide range of individual, family and
community health services. The practice of naturopathic
medicine presents a primary contact and holistic approach
to individualized health care for people of all ages.
Dr. Hal Brown
Naturopath, Vancouver BC
Read Patient Testimonials
Understanding the Differences Between
Conventional, Alternative,
Complementary, Integrative and Natural Medicine
by
Anna MacIntosh, PhD, ND
Dean of Research, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon USA
Canadian Use of Alternative Medicine
The Majority of Canadians Use Complementary Medicine. A 2007 survey confirms 1990s data on CAM wasn't a "phase. Read the recent Fraser Institute report on CAM and Canadians.
New York Times Article on Naturopathic Medicine
"When Trust in Doctors Erodes, Other Treatments Fill the Void"
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