Naturopathic Doctors
By Molly Force, ND

Naturopathic medicine is one of the greatest secrets in the natural health field. The Naturopathic approach is what many people are looking for, but don’t know it exists. Naturopathic medicine offers patients the best of both worlds as it combines natural, traditional healing methods with conventional, modern-day medicine.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained to provide you with safe, effective, and sustainable health solutions. NDs are educated as primary care physicians with an emphasis on natural therapies such as: nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplementation, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and bone manipulation.

Naturopathic physicians often use herbal medicine and homeopathic remedies with their patients, which can cause people to think of NDs as herbalists or homeopaths. However, NDs have a much broader range of therapies to draw from in customizing their treatments for their patients. One major difference between a Naturopathic doctor and an herbalist or homeopath is that NDs undergo standardized medical school training and must pass national board examinations to be licensed as a medical professional. Currently, there is no standardized training, licensure, or testing for either herbalists or homeopaths.

Licensed NDs undergo four to five years of rigorous doctorate training in the art and science of natural healthcare at accredited medical schools. Similar to conventional medical school, to be accepted into Naturopathic medical school, candidates must have completed a four year Bachelor’s degree. The first two years of Naturopathic medical school are similar to those of a conventional medical doctor (MD), with the majority of classes focusing on basic sciences such as anatomy, pathology, biochemistry, and physiology. The second two years of medical schooling consists of specialized courses such as cardiology, neurology, gynecology, gastroenterology, urology, minor surgery, pharmacology, etc., in addition to courses in natural therapies such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, spinal manipulation, clinical nutrition, and psychological counseling.

Naturopathic medicine is transformative as it takes your health further than symptom management. When you address the cause, you not only feel better, your health outcomes are better. By identifying and understanding the imbalances in your life, you are able to remove the obstacles that prevent your healing. Naturopathic doctors understand that symptoms are often uncomfortable and sometimes even life threatening, and they can also help you address symptoms in order to ensure that you are safe and comfortable on your journey to greater health.

Naturopathic Tips for
Cultivating Wellness
By Molly Force, ND

1. Get your preventative screening exams.
Even healthy, happy kids and adults benefit from yearly checkups. Establish a relationship with a healthcare provider you feels safe and comfortable with. If you prefer a natural approach to medicine, a primary care Naturopathic physician is a great option.

2. Give your body the building blocks it needs with healthy foods and nutritional support.
We are actively building and refueling our body, mind, and immune system. Your body must have proper fuel to be healthy. Focus on feeding yourself fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits everyday. Whenever possible, buy organic and local foods. These provide more nutrients and less toxins.

3. Vital Nutrients
Foods are the best source of nutrients for your body. Eat a variety of different foods. Think of eating the rainbow at each meal. Your plate of food should be colorful with greens, oranges, reds, yellows, blues, and purples of fruits and veggies.

It may be helpful to supplement your nutritional needs as well. Most people benefit from a good quality multivitamin and essential fatty acid supplement. In a multivitamin, look for a capsule, powder, or liquid form. Be careful to read the ingredient list carefully because many manufactures put in artificial coloring and sugars.

Essential fatty acids (healthy fats) are critical for your brain development and function. People of all ages, benefit from essential fatty acid supplementation. Around 11% of the brain’s weight is the fatty acid DHA. Look for a supplement that contains both EPA and DHA (two essential fatty acids) from a non-contaminated source. The manufacture should be testing for heavy metal contamination. This information is usually printed on the label. Keep your essential fatty acid supplement refrigerated, because both EPA and DHA are fragile fats that degrade quickly.

3. Move your body every day.
Humans are made to move! As a society, we tend to sit during a majority of our day. Set a goal to spend at least 30 minutes a day moving around. This does not have to be formalized exercise or sport activity. Simply going for a walk is a way to get your body moving.

4. Physical Activity
Movement causes your muscles to contract and squeezes blood and lymph increasing circulation. This allows oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to flow through your body more efficiently. Increased nutrient flow helps every cell your body, from head to toe. Movement Improves your: immune system, blood vessels, heart, muscles, bones, brain, lungs, intestines, skin, and detoxification pathways.

Dr. Molly Force is a family practice naturopathic physician who specializes in combining natural healing with conventional medical diagnosis and therapy. Her practice Prosper Natural Health is located in The Uptown Center for Natural Medicine in Port Townsend. She can be reached at 360-385-5375.