About Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is medical practice based on the philosophy that each individual human body possesses the unique and innate ability to heal itself naturally.
Physical symptoms, including disease, are viewed as an expression of an underlying disturbance of health through the eyes of a Naturopathic Doctor. Because of this, it is important to determine and treat the cause of illness, rather then just the symptoms, in order to restore balance and ultimately prevent future illness.
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are clinically and professionally trained in four-year nationally accredited medical institutions. Upon completion, graduates must pass national board exams to become eligible for licensure as a Naturopathic Doctor. Like Medical Doctors (M.D.s), N.D.s receive extensive and comprehensive physician level education in human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology. However, N.D.s receive additional medical education and clinical training to combine their modern scientific knowledge with time-tested natural healing techniques and modalities. Like M.D.s, N.D.s use laboratory testing, MRI, x-ray, and ultrasound along with other modern diagnostic techniques to gain a thorough understanding of your health condition. N.D.s also prescribe botanicals, homeopathic medicines, nutraceuticals, supplements, hydrotherapy, perform in-office procedures like bodywork, offer diet and lifestyle counseling, and teach lifestyle techniques such as meditation and healthy routines.
Percentage by which antidepressant prescriptions for 10–14 year olds has risen over a three year period
Percentage of antidepressant medications prescribed to children and teenagers found ineffective and potentially harmful (Clinical Study)
Therapeutic Order of
Naturopathic Medicine:
The therapeutic order of Naturopathic Medicine is a natural hierarchy of therapeutic intervention based on observations of the body’s natural healing process. Naturopathic Doctors use this ordering of modalities, along with their application, to promote and encourage complete healing and resolution of illness.
High Force Intervention
Synthetic Drug Therapy
Natural Prescriptions
Correct Structural Integrity
Support Weakened Systems
Stimulate the Body’s Ability to Heal
Establish Foundations for Health
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
Naturopathic Doctors take an oath to base their medical practice on six fundamental principles that define the Naturopathic approach to health care. These six core principles are applied to every patient that enters my office.
Do No Harm
ONE
Treatments should be as gentle, and minimally invasive as possible. High force interventions should proceed only when absolutely necessary.
Identify and Treat the Cause
TWO
Each illness has an underlying cause. Whether it is environmental, physiological, genetic, or lifestyle, Naturopathic Doctors are trained to determine the cause, and correct it to restore health.
Treat the Whole Person
THREE
Addressing and learning about all aspects of the person to include mental/emotional, environmental, structural, genetic, behavioral, social, and spiritual aspects to obtain optimal healing.
The Healing Power of Nature
FOUR
The body has the natural ability to heal itself. Treatments found in nature support and rejuvenate this natural ability to restore health and wellness.
Doctor as Teacher
FIVE
Emphasizing the importance of educating patients about their health, involving them in their healing process, and establishing and maintaining a doctor/patient partnership.
Emphasize Prevention
SIX
Preventing illness from occurring is the most cost effective approach to healthcare. A Naturopathic approach emphasizes the importance of teaching patients the necessary principles, with the goal of living healthy, happy lives, and preventing major illness.
Affiliations
Dr. Margaret Litchy-Miller is very caring, informative, thorough and patient. She identified allergy issues for both of my boys and helped with diet recommendations. Positive first experience working with a Naturopathic Doctor — I would definitely recommend her to anyone struggling with medical issues, allergies, and ADHD.