Naturopathic Medicine as Treatment Complement

November 24, 2009

by Erin Kinney

Naturopathic Doctorate Candidate 2012

University of Bridgeport

My name is Erin Kinney, and I am a Naturopathic Doctoral candidate at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic medicine. For those of you are unfamiliar with Naturopathy, here is a quick introduction: Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of patient-centered health care that emphasizes prevention, treatment and the promotion of optimal health through the use of different therapeutic modalities that encourage the self-healing process or the “vis medicatrix naturae”. The modalities commonly used by Naturopathic physicians include: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hydrotherapy, manipulative therapy, environmental medicine and minor surgery. To find out more about Naturopathic Medicine you can you visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website at http://www.naturopathic.org. This website can answer questions about insurance, licensure and can help you locate a Naturopathic Physician in your area.

Before I had ever heard of Naturopathic medicine I always felt overwhelmed by all of the information available about how to lead a “healthy” lifestyle, let alone how to best prevent or cure disease. What diet should one follow to prevent illness and maintain optimal health? What are the best supplements to take? How do you know you are doing everything you can to prevent and or catch certain diseases early? These are many of the same concerns that cancer survivors face. The disease and treatment are undeniably treacherous on one’s body, so it is important to consider one’s options for healthy living.

I was so excited to find Naturopathic Medicine as a career because I was certain that once I entered Naturopathic Medical School, all of these questions would be answered for me. One month into the program, I was frustrated as it became clear to me that there are no absolutely right answers to these questions! However, two years into the program and I have realized that Naturopathic Medicine offers patients something better than ONE right answer, it offers patients the answer that is right for their own body. This is what cancer survivorship seems to be all about. Survivors need to find the solutions that fit their unique needs.

I know that many people have the misconception that to be treated by a Naturopathic Medicine specialist, one might have to abandon the care of the Medical Doctor. That is simply not the case. Naturopathic Medicine is by definition a complementary treatment option. You can and should enter into the care of an N.D while continuing conventional treatments. The N.D will strive to reduce any adverse side effects from conventional treatments and most importantly make sure that your individualized program is best suited for your mind, body and soul. To learn more about this type of integrated care, you can check out Cancer Centers for America’s integrative program on their website: http://www.cancercenter.com/complementary-alternative-medicine/naturopathic-medicine.cfm.

Erin Kinney

Naturopathic Doctorate Candidate