Veritae Wellness | Products and Practices for Healthy Living

Education
To receive a license as a naturopathic physician (N.D.), one must attend a four-year graduate-level naturopathic medical school. N.D.s are educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D., and also study alternative, holistic therapeutics. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, physical medicine, and counseling. There are clinical rotations required for general practice, and physical medicine, as well as specialized elective rotations in senior care, HIV care, ADHD and Homeopathy. A naturopathic physician must pass professional national board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.

Licensure
Minnesota passed a registration bill for Naturopathic Doctors in May of 2008, becoming Minnesota Statute 147E. Registration for ND's who have graduated from four-year naturopathic medical schools begins July 1, 2009.

For more information on the legal status of Naturopathic Medicine, and how you can support legislation, please visit the website for the Minnesota Association. Their web address is http://www.mnanp.org/legislative.php.

Our Principles
Naturopathic Medicine holds the belief that the body has the innate ability to heal itself under most circumstances. It seeks to establish a working relationship between the Provider and the Patient, to identify obstacles to healing, and provide the support the body needs to return to health. These are the principles that guide our therapeutics.

First Do No Harm
This includes recommending therapies at the lowest effective intervention. For example a therapeutic diet change (i.e. removing dairy) would be attempted before the use of ear tubes for recurrent ear infections.
Doctor as Teacher
There is a focus on education in Naturopathic Medicine, encouraging the empowerment and self-advocacy of patients.
The Healing Power of Nature
Just as a the body heals from acute illness or trauma given the right support, so too can it heal from chronic disease.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic Medicine takes into account the physical wellbeing of the patient, and also the mental, emotional and Spiritual health.
Find and Treat the Cause of Disease
Identifying and addressing the root of disease is a fundamental part of Naturopathic Medicine. Naturopathic Doctors believe that if only the symptoms are addressed, and the underlying issue is not resolved, those symptoms are likely to return or go untreated.
Prevention
Paying attention to lifestyle, and early signs of dysfunction can prevent the development of chronic disease, and recurrent illness. Naturopathic Doctors provide lifestyle and supplement recommendations to optimize wellness and prevent disease.