L3-Naturopathic Medicine Flashcards
Define naturopathic medicine.
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that addresses the root causes of illness, and promotes health and healing using natural therapies.
What is the Dx, Tx & care for the pts based on?
- Uses a system of practice that bases the Tx on natural laws governing the human body.
- Uses natural methods/modalities such as natural foods, nutrients, herbs, and remedies to support and stimulate a patient’s own healing process.
What does it exclude?
Major surgery, therapeutic use of x‐ray and radium, and use of most pharmaceutical drugs (each province varies).
Which two provinces have granted naturopathic doctors prescribing authority?
- BC - approved in April 2009
2. Ontario - approved in 2015
T/F: Doctors cannot change other doctors prescriptions - naturopathic doctors cannot change other doctors rxs, and medical doctors cannot change naturopathic doctors rxs.
TRUE!
Describe the training process.
- Bachelor degree – including pre‐medical science courses
- 4-year degree at an accredited naturopathic medical school
- National board exams (NPLEX) - tests: basic medical sciences & case-based practical competency
>i.e. Diagnostic laboratory testing, diagnosis, prognosis, treatments, etc. - Clinical rotations
- Canadian licensing
- Provincial licensing exams
- CME credits & yearly provincial licensing requirements
Licensed NDs can routinely run diagnostic tests to help in the diagnosis of disease or management of conditions.
List the 6 tests they can order.
- Blood chemistry – Liver enzymes, cholesterol, hemoglobin
- Nutrient levels – ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D
- Blood immunoglobulin levels to certain allergens (food, environmental)
- Stool samples/cultures – for bacteria, parasites
- Lipoprotein cholesterol analysis ‐ LDL (types 1‐4), Apo‐E, Lpa
- Salivary hormone levels – estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, etc.
Can NDs run pap tests, physicals in addition to running lab tests?
Yes - however services NOT covered SO expensive.
>Annual physical done through a naturopathic doctor- runs at about 300 dollars a year
>220 dollars a year- comprehensive cholesterol panel
Lipoprotein testing with Naturopathy
- also test for inflammation, insulin, ect
- look for most risk factors to see risk on stroke, heart attack
- many pts may be at low chol but high inflam/ other risks and still be high risk
- this is not accepted by conventional medicine (yet- dont know personally if its legit) therefore pt would have to pay for this out of pocket
What has research revealed regarding its safety?
- assumes that naturopathic medicine that has been used safely for hundreds of years are okay to use because they do not have to be proven as being safe
List the 7 treatment modalities.
- Lifestyle and psychological counselling
- Nutritional counselling
- Clinical nutrition
- Botanical medicine
- Homeopathic medicine
- Acupuncture – Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Physical medicine
List examples of NHPs.
- Nutritional supplements – vitamins, minerals, anti‐oxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, fibre
- Herbal medicines – tinctures, glycerites, solid extracts, teas, granules, standardized encapsulated forms
- Probiotics – oral and/or vaginal delivery
- Glandular extracts – bovine/pig source
- Enzymes – digestive, fibrolytic, proteolytic
- Topical – salves, ointments, creams
- Intravenous – vitamins and minerals
- Intramuscular – vitamins, iron
List the 7 principles.
- Do no harm
- Understand the healing power of nature
- Recognize/remove barriers to healing
- Tx underlying cause
- Tx whole person
- Educate about their illness and empower them
make necessary steps. - Prevent
Principles.
1. First do no harm - describe re Tx.
- Use low-AE substances
- Avoid Sx suppression
- Do NOT give false hope.
- Recognize the limitations of natural medicine.
- Refer if needed.
Principles.
2. Describe the healing power of nature & ND’s role in facilitating this process.
- Belief in inherent self‐organizing & healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains and restores health
- role to support, facilitate and augment this process by identifying & removing obstacles to health and recovery and by supporting the creation of a healthy environment.
