What is Naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine and naturopathy refers to a system of medicine focused on preventative health care. Founded on the most time-tested medical principle, vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature), the goal of naturopathy is to restore the functioning of body, mind, and spirit through treatments that enhance the body's innate healing abilities.
Integrated Health
Combining the wisdom of centuries of natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in health and medicine, experts like Dr. Kim Furtado, N.D. are able to provide offer preventative and whole patient care with the least risk of harm.
Naturopathic doctors also cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for treatment or diagnosis when appropriate. This means naturopathic patients continue to visit their primary care and specialist physicians while integrating naturopathic care.
Dr. Kim Furtado, N.D. will not replace your primary care physician.
Treating underlying causes
Naturopathic medicine embraces a holistic perspective, acknowledging the profound interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. This approach considers symptoms of "dis-ease" not merely as isolated problems but as valuable signals pointing to deeper imbalances or lifestyle choices that may not be conducive to optimal health.
Dr. Kim Furtado, N.D., is dedicated to this comprehensive method, prioritizing the identification and treatment of the root causes of illness. By focusing on these underlying issues, she aims to facilitate genuine healing and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. Her practice emphasizes the significant role of lifestyle and preventive care, empowering patients to adopt healthier habits that sustain long-term well-being. This philosophy encourages patients to play an active role in their health journey, fostering a proactive approach to maintaining balance and vitality in all aspects of life.
Preventative HealthCare
Naturopathic medicine, or naturopathy, emphasizes preventive health care and the body's natural healing power, known as vis medicatrix naturae. This approach focuses on identifying and resolving potential health issues before they become serious, by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and using natural therapies. By enhancing the body's inherent abilities, naturopathy seeks to restore balance in the body, mind, and spirit.
Common treatments in naturopathy include herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling, each tailored to individual needs. This holistic approach addresses the whole person rather than just symptoms, empowering patients to actively participate in their health journey. Through such personalized care, naturopathy aims to achieve lasting wellness and vitality.
A Licensed Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Furtado holds her license in Utah, and is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. This provides accountability for you of her training and continuing education. At this time, there is no naturopathic licensing available in Delaware for naturopathic doctors.
Licensed naturopathic doctors must fulfill state-mandated education requirements annually, and will have a specific scope of practice defined by their state laws. Licensed naturopathic physicians also have to fulfill state-mandated continuing education requirements annually, with a specific scope of practice defined by state law.
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Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington, US Territories of Puerto Rico & the Virgin Islands
In these locations, NDs are required to graduate from a four-year residential naturopathic medical school and pass five days of extensive post-doctoral board exams, including five basic science board exams and 10 clinical science board exams in order to receive a license. NDs are also subject to review by a State Board of Examiners.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) supports legislation to license NDs in all states in order to distinguish properly trained physicians from lesser trained individuals. AANP membership is limited to individuals who are eligible for licensing in states that issue licenses, have graduated from a recognized school, and have completed board exams.
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In states that do not offer licensing, some people use the title "N.D." or "Naturopath" without training from accredited schools or any recognized license. These individuals may have taken brief correspondence courses, short seminars, or attended schools that give credit for life experience, but which do not require clinical training. Such degrees are not recognized by the CNME.
In many of the unlicensed states, naturopathic doctors and their supporters have introduced bills and are actively working toward achieving licensure. Some naturopathic doctors in these states hold a license from another state to demonstrate to the public that they have attained the high level of training required of the profession elsewhere. Licensure provides a means for oversight and a standard by which consumers can evaluate the credentials of a practitioner. That is why the naturopathic profession fully supports licensing.
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A licensed naturopathic doctor attends a four-year graduate-level naturopathic medical school. These doctors are educated in the same basic and clinical sciences common to all medical education, but also study holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. Throughout the four to five years of education, there is also training in naturopathic therapeutics, including:
Botanical Medicine
Therapeutic Nutrition
Counseling
Homeopathy
Hydrotherapy
Physical Medicine
Other Therapies
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Anatomy
Biochemistry
Cardiology
Clinical & Physical Diagnosis
Dermatology
Gynecology
Immunology
Lab Diagnostics
Microbiology
Neurology
Oncology
Pathology
Pediatrics
Pharmacology
Physiology
Radiology