Natural Medicine--Finding a Qualified Naturopath

Naturopathic medicine is currently the fastest growing segment of the alternative health movement but not everyone practicing this branch of "natural" medicine is qualified to do so. I like to group naturopaths according to their educational backgrounds because I believe that the quality of your naturopath's education directly affects the quality of care you'll receive. Naturopaths fall into one of three categories:

Medically Trained Practitioners

Medically trained naturopaths are mainstream physicians who have either added natural therapies to their existing practices or have abandoned mainstream medicine altogether in favor of natural therapies. It's estimated that only 3% of mainstream physicians practice any natural therapies so if you can find one exclusively practicing natural medicine grab hold and don't let go. Their education and extensive training make these professionals among the best of the best when it comes to natural health.

Self-Trained and Untrained Practitioners

If medically trained practitioners are among the best of the best then the healers at the opposite end of the spectrum are among the worst. These are what I call the untrained or self-taught practitioners and many of them fall into what I also call the I-read-a-book-and-now-I'm-an-expert group. I've known some wonderful self-taught herbalists but before you hire a self-trained naturopath consider the following:

* Many self-trained practitioners are self-trained because they feel disenfranchised from medicine, the government and society in general. These "rebels without a cause" often deny clients valid medical information in favor of more "natural" treatments.

* Self-trained practitioners often have a poor understanding of basic anatomy and physiology. This can make diagnosis difficult and may result in ineffective or inappropriate treatment.

* Self-trained practitioners aren't going to have access to professional resources like professional journals, peer-reviewed research materials and professional-level diagnostic tools. This can especially worrisome in regard to herb/drug interactions and often means that the practitioner is operating without liability or malpractice insurance.

Traditionally Trained Naturopaths

Between the medically trained and self-trained practitioners is a group of professionals known as the traditionally trained naturopaths. Like their mainstream peers, these practitioners are formally educated but their education focuses on non-invasive, drug-free therapies. Licensure varies from state to state and most naturopaths work primarily as consultants but some, especially the NDs (Naturopathic Doctors), can replace your mainstream family physician. Before you hire a traditionally trained naturopath ask about his or her educational background. (Unfortunately, diploma mill "degrees" are common in this field.) Anyone using the term "doctor" should have a doctorate-level degree from a legitimate naturopathic school.

Before you hire an alternative health practitioner (or any mainstream practitioner, for that matter) request a free consultation and ask a few questions. Any "natural" practitioner that balks at basic questions like these should be avoided:

*Where did you go to school?

*What's your area of expertise?

*What professional organizations do you support?

*What do you think about mainstream medicine?

Most importantly, remember that "natural" doesn't always mean "safe" or "best". No legitimate naturopath will deny his or her client information about mainstream treatments, prescription drugs or surgical options.

Lisa Barger is a traditionally trained naturopath specializing in illness prevention counseling. Ms. Barger holds certification in Ayurveda, Iridology, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and American Herbology. For information about Ms. Barger's free seminars for churches, day cares and non-profit organizations please see our web site at http://www.LisaBarger.com .

---

Health Benefits of Green Tea

For over 3000 years, the Chinese have been using green... Read More

Martial Arts

Martial arts are currently studied worldwide from a variety of... Read More

Immunological Profile In Postpartum Women

Post-delivery, the whole of immune system is restored to normalcy... Read More

Seven Sinus Headache Solutions

1. Try steam inhalation as one of your sinus headache... Read More

How Laughing Is Good For Your Health

When thinking about alternative medicine, most people picture plants, crystals,... Read More

Aloe Vera - No Wonder They Call It The Miracle Plant

Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily family. It... Read More

Quantum Biology and Its Uses for Aromatherapy

Bel'Air has brought in cutting edge medical technology from Europe... Read More

Quit Smoking

Consider this:Already since 1972, over 60 million people in the... Read More

Colloidal Silver - Time For a Comeback?

I'm sure you know what it's like to be sick.... Read More

Drugstore Hemorrhoid Medications

There are many drugstore and alternative Internet products for treating... Read More

Inflammatory Arthritis: Alternative Treatments

There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and... Read More

Purchasing Essential Oil

Tips on Purchasing Essential OilsIt is important to purchase your... Read More

Essential Oils Are Essential For Our Time

What is "it"? Oils-Pure Essential Oils. Frankincense and Myrrh, for... Read More

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine, over 2000 years old, is an ancient... Read More

Low Back Pain

About 85 percent of the population will experience disabling low... Read More

Reiki-Seichem

Seichem - The Elemental Healing RaysSince the emergence of Reiki... Read More

Strengthen the Immune System Naturally

"Among the most exciting applications of herbal medicine lie in... Read More

Natural Healing For The Body

Back-to-Nature AromatherapyBack-to-nature is a new health initiative by people living... Read More

Sports Massage

What is Sports Massage? Rapidly gaining in popularity, Sports Massage... Read More

MEDICINES use and ABUSE

Friends, The study below done a few years ago should... Read More

Natural Smoothie Formula to Stop Constipation and Acne

Here is how to build a natural smoothie that can... Read More

Stuttering Self Help

I am Stephen Hill from Birmingham in England. I started... Read More

Bodily Attributes!

The revolution is indeed underway. Money married to desire, imagination... Read More

Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice - What, How, and Why!

Since the late 1960's, wheatgrass has become frequently discussed in... Read More

Health and Anti-Aging

Some words about anti-aging and disease preventionThe aging process is... Read More

Allergies: Why Do You Have Them?

Next time you reach for your Claritin, think about this:Allergies... Read More

Kundalini Questions

Alex Wrote;"What is the difference after the kundalini awakens, and... Read More

Gearing Up for Flu Season

Well, flu season is coming upon us quickly, and most... Read More

Relieving Chronic Pain Through Visualizations: A Three-Part Strategy

The most effective way to use the subconscious for pain... Read More

Acupuncture Arthritis Treatment ? Using Acupuncture to Treat Arthritis

Acupuncture treatment for arthritis and joint pain has been with... Read More

Allergy Approaches through Lifestyle

What we do is just as powerful as what we... Read More

The 7 Best Ways To Use Your Subconscious for Pain Relief

Your subconscious has influence over 7 different factors that could... Read More

Natural Aphrodisiacs - The Right Way

Aphrodisiacs are amongst the oldest cures, being ones of the... Read More