Practitioners of Naturopathy

 

As per the laws valid in 16 states of the United States of America, along with six provinces in Canada, a naturopathic doctor (ND) or a naturopathic medical doctor (NMD) is one who has been granted an alternative medicine degree by a recognized naturopathic medical college. 

 

Only a person holding the above-mentioned degree is referred to as a naturopathic doctor or a naturopathic medical doctor. This degree is usually awarded after successful completion of a four-year programme that includes approximately 5,000 hours of academics as well as practical training as a naturopath. However, this recognition is limited only to the states that accept it. 

 

Relevant laws in different parts of the United States and Canada even allow the naturopathic doctors or naturopathic medical doctors to use the title ‘doctor’. This too, however, is not a pan-American phenomenon. Individuals who hold the required degree are permitted by the law of the land to practice the naturopathic form of medicine. Such individuals are known as ‘primary care providers’. 

 

The 16 states that allow naturopathic doctors to practice include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, along with the United States territories of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

 

Traditional naturopaths, though following the same principles and guidelines of Naturopathy are not recognized by the law as ‘primary care providers’. According to the law, traditional naturopaths can only practice a ‘non-invasive’ form of Naturopathy, whereby they advise patients regarding their dietary habits, lifestyle, and general strengthening of the body’s immunity system. 

 

Several correspondence courses that train people to become traditional naturopaths are available. The US Department of Education does not, however, recognize these courses. These courses are not as comprehensive in nature as the ones taught in medical colleges. In the absence of set rules or guidelines for these courses, they differ in duration and curriculum. Individuals can also, alternatively, undergo an apprenticeship under a practicing traditional naturopath. The professional societies or bodies formed by practicing traditional naturopaths are not recognized by law in the United States of America.

 

Apart from the two categories of naturopaths mentioned above, there is a third category that practices Naturopathy. This generally includes healthcare professionals who are looking to expand their area of practice. These may include general physicians, nurses, physical therapists such as acupuncturists, or even chiropractors. These individuals continue their professions, but also include principles and medicines of Naturopathy in their practice. The idea behind this is to make their practice more comprehensive.