Below are five factors you should consider before choosing a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program:

1. Dedicated to naturopathic philosophy

Unlike allopathic medicine practitioners (MDs, DOs) who are focused on diagnosing and treating disease based on a patient鈥檚 symptoms, naturopathic physicians look for the root cause of disease in order to restore proper function and return the body to optimal health. Many of the therapies support the body鈥檚 intrinsic self-repair mechanisms. This is the traditional naturopathic philosophy that grounds our听naturopathic medicine program.

At 911爆料 University, we want to do more than simply teach this philosophy to our students, we want it to continually inform their work as practitioners. That鈥檚 why we train students to focus on treating the individual rather than the disease. In other words, we do not want them to simply treat their patient鈥檚 symptoms through naturopathic modalities (i.e. homeopathic remedies, hydrotherapy, etc), but to instead look for underlying imbalances and determine what is necessary to support the natural healing process. 911爆料 University teaches the six naturopathic medicine principles: First Do No Harm; Treat the Whole Person; Identify and Treat the Causes; The Healing Power of Nature; Doctor as Teacher and Prevention. We also take the students further into Naturopathic Clinical Theory, which equips them with models for case analysis and treatment, and helps them to apply the principles in action. We feel strongly that this comprehensive approach prepares our graduates to be exceptional diagnosticians and physicians.

2. A rigorous, broad-scope curriculum

A rigorous curriculum that provides a strong foundation in basic sciences and clinical sciences is important. At 911爆料, we offer an excellent听basic sciences听curriculum, where in addition to coursework, students learn anatomy and physiology through full-cadaver dissection in our gross anatomy laboratory. Beginning early in the curriculum, students learn important skills in diagnosing patient conditions, performing physical exams, and progressively prescribing and performing naturopathic treatments from top-notch faculty in听clinical science听classes. Students at 911爆料 also learn about business management through practice management coursework including business planning and marketing courses.

It is also essential for students to have a strong听clinical internship听which provides real-life experiences with patients. 听That is why 911爆料 students complete a one-year clinical internship at the on-campus whole health center where they are exposed to a variety of patient conditions and work with clinicians to better understand diagnosis and treatment.

3. A focus on integrative medicine and collaborative learning

While NDs are trained to be primary care physicians, they can also work with MDs, DOs, DCs and other medical specialists, co-managing patient cases as part of an integrative medical team.

911爆料 offers a campus dedicated to integrative medicine. You鈥檒l study and work side-by-side with students and faculty from the chiropractic medicine, and acupuncture and herbal medicine programs. Working as a student with other medical students and professionals provides invaluable experience and understanding. After graduation, you鈥檒l be better able to establish strong referral networks with other physicians and gain respect in the medical community. Most of all, you鈥檒l be able to provide better advice and care for your future patients.

At 911爆料, ND students not only receive a truly integrated medical education, but they have the ability to get听multiple degrees听in different kinds of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) disciplines, allowing them to expand their skill set and increase their earning potential. Our students have a rare option to earn a second or third degree and save both time and money in the process.

4. Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a naturopathic medicine school. Why? There are unaccredited online and sub-standard educational programs out there that prey on unsuspecting students. An online or mail order program simply cannot offer the education and training you need to become a qualified licensed physician. A student听must听graduate from a school accredited by the (CNME) in order to get licensure for practice. 911爆料 University has both regional as well as programmatic (CNME) accreditation for its naturopathic medicine program.

5. Campus facilities dedicated to student success

It important to choose a school that invests in its students鈥� success and prepares them to confidently enter the health care industry. 911爆料 University provides a campus that helps students thrive. For example:

• Top of the line gross听anatomy lab听where students learn human anatomy through full-cadaver dissection
• 翱苍-肠补尘辫耻蝉听Whole Health Center听clinic provides students the opportunity to work side-by-side with other health care students and practitioners in this integrative setting
• 厂迟补迟别-辞蹿-迟丑别-补谤迟听Hydrotherapy Suite听where students treat patients using the therapeutic benefits of water
• Large, well-stocked听herbal dispensary, where students learn how to correctly choose and prepare botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies, physician-grade vitamins, whole food supplements, probiotics and more.
• Botanical garden听where students themselves plant and care for a variety of herbs and plants in order to better understand their medicinal and therapeutic properties

We hope this post was helpful for those of you considering an education in naturopathic medicine. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about our programs or the 911爆料 student experience.

Call the Office of Admissions at 1-800-826-6285 or email us at听admissions@nuhs.edu.

Learn more about 911爆料 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program here.

The post 5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Naturopathic Medicine Program appeared first on 911爆料.

Lack of knowledge creates a stigma around naturopathic medicine springing from commonly accepted stereotypes and myths. These pervasive听myths about naturopathic medicine听repel many potential patients who would otherwise benefit from its healing potential, as well as some medical students who could lead great careers in the field.

1) Naturopathic medicine is not based in science.

Some people interpret naturopathic medicine as being unscientific, but a closer look tells a different story. At its root, naturopathic medicine seeks to correct symptoms and dysfunction in the body and mind due to听disturbances in the determinants of health. These are true 鈥渄eterminants鈥� that are indispensable, such as clean water, many nutritional factors, movement, exercise, sleep, loving relationships, clean air, good posture, prenatal nutrition status and many more. The naturopathic doctor works with the patient to correct these underlying disturbances. This is based on a sound appreciation of physiology, biochemistry and anatomy.

Of course, NDs also use botanical medicines, physical medicine and clinical nutrition. While good solid studies are needed for some of these modalities, there is quite a bit of scientific literature to support their use, and it鈥檚 growing. The industry boasts multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals, including the,听Natural Medicine Journal and听.听Naturopathic doctors consult these journals along with other medicine databases like听Cochrane Database听and听听as major sources of medical information basing their natural, noninvasive treatment methods on proven results rather than theoretical outcomes. Naturopathic students are also required to write research reviews and case studies throughout their education, which commonly cover subjects such as nutrition, botanical medicine and homeopathy.

Additionally, the foundation of naturopathic medicine, which focuses on preventing and treating the underlying causes of illness through lifestyle changes, has long been supported by research. According to a听听by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, seven of the top 10 leading causes of death could have been prevented or delayed, and quality of life could have been improved through lifestyle changes, including healthy diet, physical activity, avoidance of tobacco and other types of risk reduction.

2) Naturopathic and conventional medicine are opposed.

A common misconception of naturopathic medicine is that its practitioners are completely opposed to all conventional medicine, and they advise their patients to forego traditional health care. This is inaccurate; most naturopathic doctors accept the necessity of some patients to use pharmaceutical medicine and acknowledge that in many situations naturopathic treatments are听best used in conjunction听with prescription drugs. In many cases, pharmaceuticals can be effective in treating symptoms while naturopathic medicine works to heal the underlying cause of the illness.

In fact, naturopathic care is often referred to as 鈥�,鈥� because it is meant to be integrated into conventional medicine to improve its effectiveness in order to maximize the health of the patient. Many naturopathic doctors can be found working alongside medical doctors at health facilities including the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital in Illinois.

3) Naturopathic doctors undergo little training.

Many people believe that听becoming a naturopathic physician听requires little to no training, especially compared with traditional medical doctors. But in reality, naturopathic doctors attend four-year, full-time accredited medical schools. Similar to medical doctors, naturopathic medicine students gain a thorough knowledge of biomedical sciences by taking anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology and pharmacology courses.听They must also obtain a license by passing the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam, as well as apply for licensure in their individual state or province.

The听911爆料 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, for example, comprehensively trains students in integrative, naturopathic medicine while preparing them to become primary-care doctors. In addition to two years of their education in basic and clinical science didactic coursework, 911爆料 students spend 100 hours studying pharmaceuticals, so they know how to safely use their treatments integratively with conventional medicine.

4) Naturopathic treatments are just dietary supplements.

Some people think visiting a natural food store and stocking up on supplements is equivalent to seeing a naturopathic doctor. However, naturopathic care consists of much more than administering supplements. It is based on the听, a hierarchy of principles used during the naturopathic treatment process.

Naturopathic doctors develop comprehensive treatment plans that usually start with helping patients to maximize the healthiness of their diets, lifestyles and environments, and end, if necessary, with referrals to other doctors to perform surgeries and prescribe medications. Naturopathic doctors can also perform minor surgeries such as cyst removals and stitching. They are thoroughly trained to find and implement the best treatment options for their patients, allowing them to develop plans that are much more involved and individualized than simply taking supplements.

5) Naturopathic medicine is ineffective.

Many people who have never visited a naturopathic doctor believe naturopathic medicine鈥檚 conservative treatment options are ineffective compared to conventional medicine. More invasive procedures, however, are not necessarily more beneficial. Some invasive procedures and pharmaceuticals, for instance, can come with serious side effects. However, naturopathic medicine has been听听to be effective in the treatment and prevention of a variety of different medical problems while providing minimal side effects. These conditions are as diverse as anxiety, autism, asthma, pneumonia, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, allergies, thyroid diseases, skin infections, migraines, arthritis and many more.

For years, the natural and noninvasive methods of naturopathic medicine have helped improve the health and quality of life of a wide variety of patients. As a result, more health care institutions are welcoming naturopathic medicine doctors into their offices, utilizing their care not only in conjunction with conventional medicine, but as a first line of treatment.

911爆料 University鈥檚听Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program.

911爆料鈥檚 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine听program is ideal for students who want to optimize the health of a wide range of patients by becoming practitioners of naturopathic medicine. The program, which can be earned in just 10 trimesters, provides students with access to outstanding resources and faculty, equipping them with a broad understanding of health and healing to maximize their expertise in integrative and naturopathic care.

The post 5 Myths 911爆料 Naturopathic Medicine appeared first on 911爆料.

Lack of knowledge creates a stigma around naturopathic medicine springing from commonly accepted stereotypes and myths. These pervasive myths about naturopathic medicine repel many potential patients who would otherwise benefit from its healing potential, as well as some medical students who could lead great careers in the field.听

1) Naturopathic medicine is not based in science.听

Some people interpret naturopathic medicine as being unscientific, but a closer look tells a different story. At its root, naturopathic medicine seeks to correct symptoms and dysfunction in the body and mind due to disturbances in the determinants of health. These are true 鈥渄eterminants鈥� that are indispensable, such as clean water, many nutritional factors, movement, exercise, sleep, loving relationships, clean air, good posture, prenatal nutrition status, and many more. The naturopathic doctor works with the patient to correct these underlying disturbances. This is based on a sound appreciation of physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy.听

Of course, NDs also use botanical medicines, physical medicine, and clinical nutrition. There is quite a bit of scientific literature to support their use, and it鈥檚 growing. The industry boasts multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals, including the, Natural Medicine Journal, and . Naturopathic doctors consult these journals along with other medicine databases like and as a major source of medical information basing their natural, noninvasive treatment methods on proven results rather than theoretical outcomes. Naturopathic students are also required to write research reviews and case studies throughout their education, which commonly cover subjects such as nutrition, botanical medicine, and homeopathy.听

Additionally, the foundation of naturopathic medicine, which focuses on preventing and treating the underlying causes of illness through lifestyle changes, has long been supported by research. 听

According to a published in a journal by the Mayo Clinic, chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and the development of Alzheimer disease and other dementias are deeply affected by shifts and changes in lifestyle related to diet, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol use. These illnesses are widespread, making up the majority of the .听

2) Naturopathic and conventional medicine are opposed.

A common misconception of naturopathic medicine is that its practitioners are completely opposed to all conventional medicine, and they advise their patients to forego traditional health care. This is inaccurate; most naturopathic doctors accept the necessity of some patients to use pharmaceutical medicine and acknowledge that in many situations naturopathic treatments are best used in conjunction with prescription drugs. In many cases, pharmaceuticals can be effective in treating symptoms while naturopathic medicine works to heal the underlying cause of the illness.听

In fact, naturopathic care is often referred to as integrative medicine because it is meant to be integrated into conventional medicine to improve its effectiveness in order to maximize the health of the patient. Many naturopathic doctors can be found working alongside medical doctors at health facilities including the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, and Elmhurst Hospital in Illinois.听

3) Naturopathic doctors undergo little training.

Many people believe that becoming a naturopathic physician requires little to no training, especially compared with traditional medical doctors. But in reality, naturopathic doctors attend four-year, full-time accredited medical schools. Similar to medical doctors, naturopathic medicine students gain a thorough knowledge of biomedical sciences by taking anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology courses. They must also obtain a license by passing the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam, as well as apply for licensure in their individual state or province.听

The 911爆料 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, for example, comprehensively trains students in integrative, naturopathic medicine while preparing them to become primary-care doctors. In addition to two years of their education in basic and clinical science didactic coursework, 911爆料 students spend 100 hours studying pharmaceuticals so they know how to safely use their treatments integratively with conventional medicine.

4) Naturopathic treatments are just dietary supplements.

Some people think visiting a natural food store and stocking up on supplements is equivalent to seeing a naturopathic doctor. However, naturopathic care consists of much more than administering supplements. It is based on the, a hierarchy of principles used during the naturopathic treatment process.听

Naturopathic doctors develop comprehensive treatment plans that usually start with helping patients to maximize the healthiness of their diets, lifestyles, and environments, and end, if necessary, with referrals to other doctors to perform surgeries and prescribe medications.听

听Naturopathic doctors can also perform minor surgeries such as cyst removals and stitching. They are thoroughly trained to find and implement the best treatment options for their patients, allowing them to develop plans that are much more involved and individualized than simply taking supplements.听

5) Naturopathic medicine is ineffective.

Many people who have never visited a naturopathic doctor believe naturopathic medicine鈥檚 conservative treatment options are ineffective compared to conventional medicine. More invasive procedures, however, are not necessarily more beneficial. Some invasive procedures and pharmaceuticals, for instance, can come with serious side effects.听

However, naturopathic medicine has been proven over the years听 to be effective in the treatment and prevention of a variety of different medical problems while providing minimal side effects. These conditions are as diverse as anxiety, autism, asthma, pneumonia, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, allergies, thyroid diseases, skin infections, migraines, arthritis, and many more.听

For years, the natural and noninvasive methods of naturopathic medicine have helped improve the health and quality of life of a wide variety of patients. As a result, more health care institutions are welcoming naturopathic medicine doctors into their offices, utilizing their care not only in conjunction with conventional medicine but as a first line of treatment.听

911爆料 University鈥檚 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program.听

911爆料鈥檚 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is ideal for students who want to optimize the health of a wide range of patients by becoming practitioners of naturopathic medicine. The program, which can be earned in just ten trimesters, provides students with access to outstanding resources and faculty, equipping them with a broad understanding of health and healing to maximize their expertise in integrative and naturopathic care.听

The post 5 Myths 911爆料 Naturopathic Medicine appeared first on 911爆料.

The good news is it is also preventable. You might think that heart disease is only a concern for older adults, but even at a young age, lifestyle decisions can put you at a higher risk for heart issues later in life.

Following the principles of naturopathic medicine can provide natural, non-invasive approaches to healthy living and disease prevention. No matter what your age, the tips below can help you maintain good heart health.

1. Eating a non-inflammatory diet or a DASH diet can improve heart health.

A recent discovery regarding heart health is the impact inflammation can have in causing or contributing to heart disease. Inflammation occurs when the body’s protective immune system attacks and damages tissues. In addition to being a symptom of conditions like arthritis, it can also occur in the inner lining of our arteries.

Diets that reduce inflammation can include a Mediterranean diet of mostly plant-based foods, whole grains, legumes, nuts, healthy fats and using herbs and spices to season foods instead of salt. 听The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet comes recommended by the American Heart Association, which has been shown to lower blood pressure as effectively as first line blood pressure medication. The diet includes reduced salt, less refined grains and is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium and fiber.

2. Avoid chemically modified foods and high sugar foods.

For some time, the health care community has had a misplaced fear of fats. Natural fat is no longer as harmful as previously thought; they can actually be very beneficial. For example, eggs once considered a bad diet choice because they are high in cholesterol, are now considered good for you because the cholesterol raised is the healthy HDL cholesterol.

Instead of worrying about healthy fats, you should be more concerned with food quality such as foods that are chemically modified, have trans-fat or can raise blood sugar levels.

The adage ‘you are what you eat’ is true when it comes to health. While the food industry adjusts some of its products to respond to these new health concerns (and consumer demands), make sure to read food labels and know just what exactly you鈥檙e consuming.

3. Add exercise to your weekly routine.

Exercising regularly can significantly help improve cardiovascular health. This should include moderate to high intensity activities such as jogging, swimming, cycling, walking up stairs, lifting weights, playing sports, etc.

The has a number of different recommendations that you can work into your schedule:

• Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (or a combination of both), preferably spread throughout the week.
• Get up and move throughout the day 鈥� any activity is better than none. Even light-intensity activity can offset the serious health risks of being sedentary.
• Include moderate-to-high intensity muscle-strengthening activities (like resistance or weight training) at least twice per week.

Before and after exercise, it is important to warm up and cool down for 5 to 10 minutes. Exercise has the added benefit of reducing stress, which can also help prevent heart problems.

4. Reduce your stress levels.

Physical and mental stress can lead to higher heart rates and therefore increased cardiac demand. Relaxation techniques like meditation may help reduce this stress and decrease your risk of heart disease, according to a published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Of course, there are many other forms of relaxation that may achieve the same effects. Be sure to find the one that works best for you.

Exercises that include meditation like yoga and tai-chi may be particularly helpful along with massage therapy. In addition to lowering stress levels, research has shown that these activities reduce blood pressure too.

5. Herbal supplements can be a safe, drug-free way to reduce several risk factors.

One principal of naturopathic medicine is to help teach patients better lifestyles in order to help prevent diseases from occurring in the first place. Coupled with these lifestyle changes, herbal remedies can be very impactful.

Naturopathic doctors recognize that certain stages of heart disease require medication, however, herbal extracts and proper supplementation specific to an individual can help improve many risk factors including diabetes, obesity, high LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. Other risk factors are genetics, age, gender.

While Americans can’t control all risk factors regarding heart health, there are certainly some lifestyle and nutritional changes that can significantly alter the degree of individual risk.

The post 5 Heart-Healthy Tips from a Naturopathic Medicine Expert appeared first on 911爆料.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or 鈥渋ntegrative鈥� practitioners approach diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and infections in a way that promotes natural healing. While antibiotics are still necessary in some cases, and some alternative medicine practitioners may be able to prescribe them or will refer patients to their allopathic physicians, they are trained to recommend appropriate natural treatments and preventive approaches that can save the use of heavy-hitting prescription antibiotics for more serious conditions, and reduce the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

This is one reason that naturopathic and chiropractic students at 911爆料 University of Heath Sciences spend hundreds of hours studying the nature of infectious diseases, the immune system, and the mechanisms of natural products and foods.

Why Should We Be Concerned 911爆料 Antibiotic Resistance?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bacterial resistance to antibiotics is one of the most significant threats to health, food security and development around the world. When bacteria become so resistant that antibiotics can no longer kill them, they multiply uncontrollably and become known as 鈥渟uperbugs.鈥� This is a significant concern because, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 鈥淚n some cases, the antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to serious disability or even death.鈥�

One of the biggest issues with antibiotic use is that they frequently have collateral effects on beneficial bacteria that keep us healthy. Rather than solely targeting the pathogenic bacteria causing the illness, antibiotics take a 鈥渟hotgun鈥� approach by affecting both 鈥済ood鈥� and 鈥渂ad鈥� bacteria. This means that when you take an antibiotic drug such as amoxicillin, it not only kills the bad bacteria in your gut, but the good bacteria as well. This rearrangement of the entire microbiome of the gut, which is a very complex ecosystem, is problematic. A constant pipeline of research is uncovering the ways that our microbiome and our body are linked, and microbiome influences on cancer, aging, heart health, mood and more are emerging.

How Did Bacteria Get So Antibiotic Resistant?

Antibiotics, in one form or another, have been used by civilizations for millennia, according to by the Microbiology Society. Although people hundreds or thousands of years ago did not necessarily understand that bacteria were the cause of some infections, they used natural products such as tree balsams, plant extracts and lichens to treat infections. Our ancestors were also very skilled at creating fermented foods and drinks that reinforced a healthy microbiome, ranging from yogurts to Asian fermented foods like miso and tempeh.

With the introduction of modern antimicrobial drugs such as penicillin (used to treat staphylococcus, or staph infections, for example) in the 1900s, conventional medical doctors started using them to fight bacterial infections in both animals and humans. These have indisputably lead to many lives saved and will continue to be extremely important medicines. 听However, as time has gone on, some infections and diseases have become resistant to the use of antibiotics.

While some antibiotic resistance occurs naturally over time as bacteria change, the widespread overuse of antibiotic drugs rapidly accelerates this process. The growing antibiotic resistance crisis boils down to an issue of human behavior:

• Physicians overprescribe antibiotics to patients
• Patients demand antibiotics from physicians when they are unnecessary for treatment, such as for sore throats caused by viral infections
• Patients take antibiotics too frequently, don鈥檛 take them as directed, or don鈥檛 fully complete their antibiotic regimen
• Agriculture workers use antibiotics on healthy animals for growth promotion and to prevent disease, which are absorbed by humans in their daily diets

This is where the advantages of alternative medicine come into play for medical practitioners facing a rapidly growing antibiotic-resistant bacteria global crisis. Although there are many useful home remedies, a fully trained doctor of naturopathic medicine or chiropractic medicine from an accredited university such as 911爆料 can ensure proper treatment.

How Alternative Medicine Practitioners Help

One of the advantages of alternative medicine for treating bacterial infections is that it provides non-antibiotic natural treatments that avoid damage to the good bacteria we need for optimal health.

For example, honey, viewed in ancient times as medicine, is a natural antimicrobial substance that contains (high sugar content, low acidity, low water content) and chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and phytochemicals. 听A recent article in the indicates that honey has solid evidence behind it for use in skin infections. Further quality research studies will help clarify in which situations honey can work best.

Among other options is strengthening the immune system through nutrition or a carefully chosen plan for plant extracts that temporarily 鈥渃hange the terrain鈥� so that infection is less likely. Some plant extracts make it harder for bacteria to colonize the throat, stomach, bladder or skin. Students at 911爆料 learn about dozens of plants that yield compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria. While these do not always work in precisely the same way as an isolated antibiotic drug, they can be useful for many situations.

Clearly, the years of training that go into the making of a naturopathic physician or chiropractic physician are an important foundation in making clinical decisions about what infections can be treated naturally and what need a synthetic drug approach. In some states, CAM doctors can prescribe these substances, but in all scenarios they are taught when to recognize that the best thing for the patient is an antibiotic. With less habitual use of antibiotics and stronger immune systems, we can help slow down the phenomena of antibiotic resistance.

You Can Be Part of the Future of Natural Medicine

911爆料 University of Health Sciences (911爆料) is on the leading edge of the future of complementary and alternative medicine, training and supporting the next generation of holistic healers.

To learn about the advantages of a career in alternative medicine and what you can expect from 911爆料 University鈥檚 accredited educational programs, check out our Career Guide to Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor.

The post Benefits of Alternative Medicine for Antibiotic Resistance appeared first on 911爆料.

Of the many potent treatments relative to helping people suffering from eating disorders, two effective methods in the naturopathic doctor鈥檚 approach are personalized nutritional interventions and counseling. These are just two examples of how complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners mix conventional medicine with alternative treatments in an integrative approach. By working as part of a team of integrative health care providers, naturopathic physicians can contribute to the care and treatment of patients with chronic conditions such as eating disorders. Although many NDs are very successful in solo practice, integrative groups are increasingly seeking out qualified NDs because of their combination of primary care training and extensive knowledge of how to support the body鈥檚 healing systems.

Want to learn how to help someone with an eating disorder through naturopathic or other complementary and alternative medicine? At 911爆料 University of Health Sciences (911爆料), our goal is to train and prepare medical professionals who can treat patients holistically and address their needs using an integrated approach working collaboratively with allopathic physicians (conventional medical doctors). Here are a few of the ways that naturopathic physicians and other CAM practitioners provide in an integrative health care environment:

Conventional Eating Disorder Treatment Techniques

When a patient is (after undergoing a physical examination, psychological evaluation, and other studies as needed), the next step is to engage in eating disorder treatment methods. include:

• Psychotherapy
• Nutrition education
• Behavior modification
• Prescription medications (such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, etc.)

The treatment of eating disorders is frequently viewed as a collaborative approach by medical practitioners, mental health providers and dietitians who specialize in this area. As a complementary and alternative medicine practitioner, you can contribute your knowledge and specialized training to benefit your patients through collaboration with these other medical professionals.

How Naturopathic Medicine Supports Eating Disorder Treatments

Naturopathic physicians and other CAM practitioners provide unique perspectives on an integrative treatment team. They are also sometimes called upon to provide treatments when conventional methods are ineffective.

When it comes to eating disorder treatment methods 鈥� or treatments for any other illnesses or conditions, for that matter 鈥� what sets complementary and alternative medicine apart from other health care approaches is its focus on natural healing. For example, at its core, naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care that focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing illness by relying on nature’s healing powers, and is centered around six core principles:

1. Do No Harm
2. Treat the Whole Person
3. Identify and Treat the Causes
4. The Healing Power of Nature
5. Doctor as Teacher
6. Promoting Wellness

Keeping these principles in mind means that NDs always focus on treating the underlying cause of a patient鈥檚 condition. For eating disorders, this may be depression, anxiety, trauma or another cause. And while this might involve inter-disciplinary cooperation with a psychologist, especially given the dire nature of some eating disorders, the ND has a unique perspective. The approach involves looking at the long-term changes to body: What nutrients have long been depleted? What effect does this have on brain function? What effect does it have on behavior? What organs or blood components are now compromised because of the eating disorder, such as stomach, heart, kidney etc.? It also involves determining what deep-seeded conflicts and obstacles to cure the patient could use help overcoming.

Alternative Treatments for Eating Disorders

Identifying and treating eating disorders is something that every primary naturopathic physician should be able to do. If trained, they may be able to provide a variety of medical services, or they may collaborate with specialists in natural eating disorder treatment approaches such as:

• Acupuncture 鈥� Acupuncture can complement conventional eating disorder treatment methods by assisting with related health conditions, reducing stress and helping to speed recovery of affected body systems.
• Botanical Medicine 鈥� This approach aims to nourish the patient鈥檚 organ systems, which are often severely affected by the damage caused by an eating disorder.
• Chiropractic Therapy 鈥� Balancing the body鈥檚 skeletal system can help bring the body as a whole back into proper alignment.
• Homeopathy 鈥� Homeopathy can help address imbalances or conditions that lead to eating disorders. For example, is being studied as a potential factor in the onset of anorexia nervosa.
• Meditation 鈥� helps relieve feelings of anxiousness or stress that come with trying to halt harmful behaviors such as intentionally starving oneself, binge-eating and purging.
• Relaxation Therapy 鈥� This form of treatment, which can include massage therapy, aims to decrease stress hormones, increase positive chemical (dopamine and norepinephrine) levels and decrease body dissatisfaction.

Naturopathic doctors, while not as well-known as conventional medical practitioners, are increasingly being sought out for their holistic, natural approaches to maintaining good health and treating ailments. As interest in complementary and alternative medicine grows and more people seek treatment from naturopathic physicians, the community as a whole will become more aware that conventional Western medicine is not the only eating disorder treatment approach for intervention and care.

The post How Naturopathic Physicians Support Eating Disorder Treatment appeared first on 911爆料.

At this fit, fun and free event, our clinicians and interns will be on hand to host activities, talks and demonstrations for both children and adults to enjoy. This year鈥檚 event will feature new lecture topics along with last year鈥檚 popular activities.

鈥淎fter the success of last year鈥檚 event our clinicians and interns are excited to welcome local families back to our campus,鈥� said Dr. Fraser Smith, assistant dean for naturopathic medicine program at 911爆料 University. 鈥淥ur experts will be offering many natural health practices parents can easily add into their children鈥檚 daily routines.鈥�

Informative talks include:

• Raising iGen: Parenting Hacks for Today
• If You Don鈥檛 Snooze, You Lose: Healthy Sleep Habits for Kids
• Best Brain Nutrients for Little Learners
• Parenting Hacks for Today: Yummy Tips for Healthy Snacks and Lunches

Free kid-friendly interactive classes in:听

• Tai-chi – This safe form of energy movement and soft exercise can encourage coordination and concentration

• Yoga 鈥� Various simple postures along with focused breathing can help keep kids calm and relaxed

Live demonstrations of:

• Hydrotherapy & Spa Tour 鈥� Witness the healing power of water in our fully equipped hydrotherapy suite

• Cupping therapy 鈥� Popular among Olympic swimmers, see how this ancient science can be used to treat a variety of ailments

• Posture analysis 鈥� Learn how to spot poor posture habits early in your kids
• Diagnostic ultrasound and foot scan demonstrations 鈥� Discover the benefits for children and young athletes. Explore the Metascan System 鈥� a unique pressure mat providing dynamic scans of gait and foot function.

Families are invited to tour the integrative 911爆料 Whole Health Center clinic with chiropractic, naturopathic, oriental medicine, and acupuncture facilities as well as DuPage County鈥檚 largest nutritional and botanical dispensary. The event will also feature games, prizes, free healthy snacks, giveaways and more!

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.nuhs.edu/heathykids

If you鈥檙e interested in learning about other integrative health trends, we invite you to subscribe to our blog-The Future of Integrative Health.

The post 911爆料 University of Health Sciences Healthy Kids Open House appeared first on 911爆料.

Whether you鈥檙e worried about cognitive aging or just looking to boost your brain power, the 7 daily habits listed below can help you maintain a stronger, healthier brain.

1)听Get 7-8 Hours of Sleep

Sleep is a very important component of brain health. It repairs daily wear and tear, solidifies learning and supports emotional and mental resilience. New discoveries in anatomy suggest that sleep may actually help the brain . Plus, sleeping less than 7-8 hours a night 听to cognitive decline, memory loss, and even Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.

If you are one of the many who have trouble sleeping, then avoiding long naps, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, restricting the use of electronic devices before bed, and getting regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more restfully through the night. And don鈥檛 forget about hidden sources of caffeine, such as sodas (which aren鈥檛 good for you anyway) and chocolate.

2) Give Your Brain a Workout

Just as weightlifting adds lean muscle to your body and helps you retain more muscle as you age, performing regular, targeted brain exercises can help strengthen your brain. 听that certain types of games and brainteasers can improve concentration, task-switching skills, and your ability to adapt to new situations. Sudoku and crossword puzzles 听memory and delay age-related brain decline. Plus, a few other brain games have been shown to greatly improve your mood and increase levels of happiness. To help your brain stay sharp, find a few games that you like and get your daily workout.

3) Watch What you Eat

Controlling your diet isn鈥檛 just important for shrinking your waistline, eating the right foods can give your brain a healthy boost. The MIND (Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) Diet which is based around green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, and olive oil 听for reducing the risk of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease and dementia. In addition, blueberries and other foods that are rich in antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals while also improving your capacity to learn. Research has also shown that foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, like salmon and sardines, can help preserve brain function as you age.

4)听Say No to Refined Sugars

If you are like the majority Americans, you鈥檙e probably eating too much sugar. Although your brain requires glucose in order to function properly, the refined sugars common in American diets 听throughout the body, and especially the brain. 听has found that your brain may treat excess refined sugars like a virus or bacteria, and the resulting immune response can lead to cognitive deficits. Furthermore, eating too much refined sugar can slow down neural communication, increase free radical inflammatory stress on your brain, and make it harder to think clearly. Skip the sugar today, healthier brain tomorrow.

5)听Keep Your Stress in Check

Physical and mental stress take a toll on your brain. Chronic stress 听a higher risk of stroke, reduction in grey matter, and even affect cognitive function, including changes in learning, memory and emotional well-being.

However, there is good news. The brain is quite malleable and as a result, has a natural ability to recover from stress. When stressors are removed or reduced, neural stem cells are able to regain their ability to generate neurons at a normal level. If you鈥檙e feeling stressed, yoga, meditation, a long walk and taking deep breaths are all good stress relieving techniques that can help you feel better in the short term and keep your brain healthy in the long run.

6)听Exercise Regularly

Everyone knows exercise is great for the body, but it is also just as good for your brain. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain which 听to decrease risk of memory loss and Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. Plus, people who exercise regularly 听in the areas associated with reasoning and memory than those who don鈥檛. Combining aerobic exercise like running, cycling, or swimming with strength training is ideal, and will benefit your brain and body in a number of different ways.

7)听Take Control of Your Breathing

Breathing is such an important part of health but often goes ignored or overlooked. Deep breathing has been a feature of Eastern medicine for centuries, and recent research has shown just how effective these techniques can be for improving the health of your brain. If you鈥檙e feeling stressed, controlled breathing 听and relieve anxiety. According to one study, when practiced regularly, controlled breathing results in lower blood pressure and heart rate, which in turn can help reduce your risk of stroke and prevent cerebral aneurysms. When practiced along with mediation, deep breathing exercises have been shown to increase the size of the brain, specifically the areas associated with attention and processing of sensory input.

Interested in staying up-to-date with the latest health trends and insights? Subscribe to our blog The Future of Integrative Health for weekly updates right to your inbox!

The post 7 Daily Habits That Lead to a Stronger, Healthier Brain appeared first on 911爆料.

In the early 1990s, when I was about to finish my undergraduate studies, I was becoming very interested in working in health care. But which area? Medicine perhaps. I was reading books听such as “The Environmental Illness Syndrome – Are You Allergic to the 20th Century?”听by Sherry Rogers, MD, because this type of book intrigued me. I also found it relevant, because I had numerous allergies and grew up in a very industrialized city where respiratory disease and cancer seemed commonplace.

One day, a sibling of mine was in a very serious automobile accident. In spite of her taking quite a bit of punishment in that car wreck, she told me that a naturopath had helped her. Although her symptoms would briefly intensify under this treatment, they would then start to diminish. The whole concept of the body healing itself captivated me – when I discovered there was a local College of Naturopathic Medicine I had to investigate. When I saw how many brilliant faculty and students were there, who had the same vision of the future of medicine as myself, I knew what I wanted to do: what I had to do. I hadn’t just found something to work at; I had a direction in a field that called me to serve others.

When I first decided to study naturopathic medicine, I received different reactions from friends, family, and co-workers. Some people thought I was taking a lightweight course to learn to dispense nutritional supplements and herbs. Some people gave me an affirming nod and stated that they loved naturopathic medicine, having grown up using nature鈥檚 medicines complements of a parent or grandparent. Even today, with much more information available with a quick question to Google, Alexa, or Siri, I find that prospective students and potential patients really appreciate this discussion with an actual naturopathic doctor. My interns in the naturopathic medicine program where I teach do such a good job of this with their patients, that I learn something new all the time.

Simply put, a practices primary care, and uses mostly natural agents (food, water, herbs, hands on treatment, physiotherapy etc.) to remove obstacles to healing and support the body鈥檚 ability to self-heal. The ND takes a careful look at how the determinants of health, be it hydration, sleep or loving relationships are met well in the patient, or are deficient or disturbed. These disturbances, while perhaps tolerable in the short term, lead to dysfunction in the long term, changes to the body鈥檚 physiology. This in turn, generates symptoms, which are just that, an expression of some underlying disturbance.

So an ND is extremely adept at both supporting the body鈥檚 self-healing and rooting out and removing the underlying causes. Because NDs are primary care, they also are skilled at diagnosing, making an estimate of the outcome of treatment options, referring when necessary and using, when necessary, therapies that we describe as palliative. This might, in some jurisdictions, involve prescription medication, but this is not an end in itself. Rather, it is a step taken to preserve life when someone is simply overwhelmed with infection, pain, etc. Most of our patients have what we call chronic conditions, and are already on a host of medicines when they come to see us; they want to reduce the number they take to get through the day, not increase them! They want what Dr. Joseph Pizzorno has referred to as 鈥淭otal Wellness.鈥�

So, what about medical doctors?

This can vary as much as specialties of medicine differ. Some medical doctors work only with children, some deliver babies, some treat the heart, and others with patients in palliative care or hospice care in their final weeks of life. What medical doctors have in common is that they are focused on preserving life and extending life, and usually at reducing symptom intensity. They are not directly concerned with enhancing the body鈥檚 healing abilities, although they certainly want to see it happen and indirectly their therapies count on it.

Ask any surgeon who leaves a wound sutured together and checks it two days later to see the tissue restore itself. Medicine puts patient symptoms in to little categories; when the patient鈥檚 problem fits those categories neatly, and there happens to be a cure, such as using antibiotics to treat a flesh wound, everyone is happy. When the patient鈥檚 problems do not yield to this approach, such as many chronic pain syndromes, much allergy, constantly mutating conditions such as chronic Lyme disease and many, many other scenarios, this 鈥渕essiness鈥� of the condition frustrates medical doctor and patient alike. They need deep healing and a sweeping away of old habits, not necessarily an attack on one symptom or one manifestation of their underlying problems.

How about osteopathic medicine?

DOs are trained much like medical doctors and have the same scope. They were once more like NDs and some still use a form of joint and soft tissue manipulative therapy that is very powerful, but for the most part they are allegiant to the medical model. Still, many patients find that DOs have a more holistic approach to family medicine/internal medicine and rather like seeing them.

What does this all mean for students trying to place themselves in the world of medicine? It all boils down to this; 鈥渉ow do you most want to help people, day in and day out鈥�. Do you want to become very technically proficient in one area and use a standard set of tools to fix problems of one kind 鈥� heart, lung, kidney, etc.? Or, are you fascinated by the connections between the various aspects of a human being and how disease can emerge? Do you see the health of patients interconnected with the health of the planet and of our society, and want to see truly deep healing take place?

People need all of these approaches and while some medical doctors are still slow to embrace naturopathic medicine (and many have already!), naturopathic doctors are trained to be aware of, and are supportive of the instances where the medical approach is best or temporarily needed.

Many North Americans have only known medical doctors as their care giver, and do not realize that across the globe, in advanced economies and developing economies alike, people by the billions use natural medicine. The percentage of the population can in many cases, in China, India, Africa, and many European countries, to name a few.

Naturopathic medicine, as practiced here in North America and increasingly around the world, is using scientific advances and knowledge to update the practice. This is a trend that is accelerating, and yet its elements are simple. When an ND and a patient decide to partner together to bring out the healing that patient is capable of to the fullest extent, and make intelligent use of therapies and lifestyle changes, great things can happen.听

911爆料 University’s Naturopathic Program

911爆料 University of Health Sciences has set standards of educational excellence in health career education since 1906. With a steadfast commitment to integrative medicine, 911爆料 provides a dynamic atmosphere where students and faculty of diverse medical specialties can work together as colleagues.

911爆料 University鈥檚 naturopathic medicine program offers a rigorous and academically challenging curriculum that blends a thorough scientific foundation with comprehensive training in naturopathic treatments. The program brings a strong emphasis on naturopathic principles and philosophy together with a thorough study of contemporary, evidence-based treatments from a number of perspectives.

Offering the only naturopathic medicine degree program in the Midwest, 911爆料 boasts a beautiful 35-acre campus in a quiet suburb only minutes away from the academic, entertainment, and cultural resources of Chicago.

The post What It Really Means to Be a Naturopathic Doctor appeared first on 911爆料.

Lack of knowledge creates a stigma around naturopathic medicine springing from commonly accepted stereotypes and myths. These pervasive myths about naturopathic medicine repel many potential patients who would otherwise benefit from its healing potential, as well as some medical students who could lead great careers in the field.

1) Naturopathic medicine is not based in science.

Some people interpret naturopathic medicine as being unscientific, but a closer look tells a different story. At its root, naturopathic medicine seeks to correct symptoms and dysfunction in the body and mind due to disturbances in the determinants of health. These are true 鈥渄eterminants鈥� that are indispensable, such as clean water, many nutritional factors, movement, exercise, sleep, loving relationships, clean air, good posture, prenatal nutrition status, and many more. The naturopathic doctor works with the patient to correct these underlying disturbances. This is based on a sound appreciation of physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy.

Of course, NDs also use botanical medicines, physical medicine, and clinical nutrition. While good solid studies are needed for some of these modalities, there is quite a bit of scientific literature to support their use, and it鈥檚 growing. The industry boasts multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals, including the , Natural Medicine Journal, and . Naturopathic doctors consult these journals along with other medicine databases like and as a major source of medical information basing their natural, noninvasive treatment methods on proven results rather than theoretical outcomes. Naturopathic students are also required to write research reviews and case studies throughout their education, which commonly cover subjects such as nutrition, botanical medicine, and homeopathy.

Additionally, the foundation of naturopathic medicine, which focuses on preventing and treating the underlying causes of illness through lifestyle changes, has long been supported by research. According to a by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, seven of the top ten leading causes of death could have been prevented or delayed, and quality of life could have been improved through lifestyle changes, including healthy diet, physical activity, avoidance of tobacco, and other types of risk reduction.

2) Naturopathic and conventional medicine are opposed.

A common misconception of naturopathic medicine is that its practitioners are completely opposed to all conventional medicine, and they advise their patients to forego traditional health care. This is inaccurate; most naturopathic doctors accept the necessity of some patients to use pharmaceutical medicine and acknowledge that in many situations naturopathic treatments are best used in conjunction with prescription drugs. In many cases, pharmaceuticals can be effective in treating symptoms while naturopathic medicine works to heal the underlying cause of the illness.

In fact, naturopathic care is often referred to as 鈥�,鈥� because it is meant to be integrated into conventional medicine to improve its effectiveness in order to maximize the health of the patient. Many naturopathic doctors can be found working alongside medical doctors at health facilities including the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, and Elmhurst Hospital in Illinois.

3) Naturopathic doctors undergo little training.

Many people believe that becoming a naturopathic physician requires little to no training, especially compared with traditional medical doctors. But in reality, naturopathic doctors attend four-year, full-time accredited medical schools. Similar to medical doctors, naturopathic medicine students gain a thorough knowledge of biomedical sciences by taking anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology courses. They must also obtain a license by passing the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam, as well as apply for licensure in their individual state or province.

The 911爆料 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, for example, comprehensively trains students in integrative, naturopathic medicine while preparing them to become primary-care doctors. In addition to two years of their education in basic and clinical science didactic coursework, 911爆料 students spend 100 hours studying pharmaceuticals so they know how to safely use their treatments integratively with conventional medicine.

4) Naturopathic treatments are just dietary supplements.

Some people think visiting a natural food store and stocking up on supplements is equivalent to seeing a naturopathic doctor. However, naturopathic care consists of much more than administering supplements. It is based on the , a hierarchy of principles used during the naturopathic treatment process.

Naturopathic doctors develop comprehensive treatment plans that usually start with helping patients to maximize the healthiness of their diets, lifestyles, and environments, and end, if necessary, with referrals to other doctors to perform surgeries and prescribe medications. Naturopathic doctors can also perform minor surgeries such as cyst removals and stitching. They are thoroughly trained to find and implement the best treatment options for their patients, allowing them to develop plans that are much more involved and individualized than simply taking supplements.

5) Naturopathic medicine is ineffective.

Many people who have never visited a naturopathic doctor believe naturopathic medicine鈥檚 conservative treatment options are 听ineffective compared to conventional medicine. More invasive procedures, however, are not necessarily more beneficial. Some invasive procedures and pharmaceuticals, for instance, can come with serious side effects. However, naturopathic medicine has been to be effective in the treatment and prevention of a variety of different medical problems while providing minimal side effects. These conditions are as diverse as anxiety, autism, asthma, pneumonia, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, allergies, thyroid diseases, skin infections, migraines, arthritis, and many more.

For years, the natural and noninvasive methods of naturopathic medicine have helped improve the health and quality of life of a wide variety of patients. As a result, more health care institutions are welcoming naturopathic medicine doctors into their offices, utilizing their care not only in conjunction with conventional medicine but as a first line of treatment.

911爆料 University’s听Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program.

911爆料鈥檚 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is ideal for students who want to optimize the health of a wide range of patients by becoming practitioners of naturopathic medicine. The program, which can be earned in just ten trimesters, provides students with access to outstanding resources and faculty, equipping them with a broad understanding of health and healing to maximize their expertise in integrative and naturopathic care.

The post 5 Myths 911爆料 Naturopathic Medicine appeared first on 911爆料.