Guest Column: Naturopathic Medicine: A Beacon of Hope in the Sea of Healthcare Challenges

Welcome to Mind, Body, Luminosity! I’m your host, Dr. Holly Kendra. As a Naturopathic Doctor and Light Therapy Expert, I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you, exploring various health and wellness topics, and shedding light on holistic approaches to wellness. Before we delve into the depths of our discussions, let’s take a moment to journey through the rich tapestry of healthcare history and uncover the essence of Naturopathic Medicine.

History of Healthcare

The roots of healthcare stretch back almost 6 thousand years, weaving through cultures and civilizations, each with their own unique healing traditions. From Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom to the intricate principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, these practices share a common thread – a focus on the patient, promoting health, and enhancing quality of life. Holistic in nature, they view the body as a complete system, interwoven with the mind, spirit, and emotions, all intricately connected to our environment.

Hippocrates, often regarded as the “father of modern medicine,” emphasized the innate connection between humanity and nature. He advocated for restoring balance within the body, aligning with the elemental forces of the universe. This holistic perspective underscores the core philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine – to facilitate the body’s innate ability to heal by addressing the root causes of illness.

Energy and Healing

Albert Einstein once proclaimed that human beings are 100% energy, echoing the foundational principle of Naturopathic Medicine – viewing health and disease in relation to energy. German biophysicist Albert Fritz-Popp validated this notion, demonstrating that light is stored and emitted from our DNA. Nikola Tesla’s words resonate deeply, emphasizing the importance of energy, frequency, and vibration in understanding the universe.

Repairing impaired energy patterns and restoring bioregulatory systems lies at the heart of Naturopathic Medicine, offering a gentle yet profound approach to improving vitality at all levels – physical, emotional, and spiritual.

The Flexner Report and Beyond

In 1910, the Flexner Report (funded by the Carnegie and Rockefeller Foundations) heralded a seismic shift in medical education, promoting a strict adherence to, what they deemed,  mainstream science. This marked the beginning of a medical coup against holistic practices, relegating them to the sidelines as “quackery.” However, amidst these challenges, Naturopathic Medicine persevered, rooted in its commitment to patient-centered care and holistic healing.

Current status of healthcare in the US?

Despite significant advancements in medical science and technology, the United States grapples with a healthcare system plagued by inefficiencies and disparities. Astonishingly, the US spends a staggering 16.9% of its GDP on healthcare, far exceeding that of other developed nations. However, what do we get in return for this exorbitant expenditure?

The Harsh Reality

The current state of healthcare in the US is sobering. Despite pouring trillions of dollars into the system, we witness worse health outcomes compared to other industrialized nations. Alarmingly, the US boasts the highest rates of obesity and chronic disease, coupled with the lowest life expectancy at birth. Shockingly, a significant portion of our healthcare spending—84%—is allocated towards treating chronic diseases, burdening both individuals and the economy alike.

Chronic Disease Epidemic

The United States grapples with the highest chronic disease burden globally, affecting over half of the population. From obesity to neurologic ailments, chronic diseases impose a heavy toll on individuals’ quality of life while straining healthcare resources to their limits. This epidemic underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards prevention and holistic approaches to healthcare.

Reimagining Healthcare

In the face of these daunting challenges, it’s imperative to rethink our approach to healthcare. Rather than merely treating symptoms, we must address the root causes of illness and prioritize prevention. This necessitates embracing diverse healing modalities, including Naturopathic Medicine, which emphasizes holistic wellness and empowers individuals to take charge of their health.

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are champions of holistic health, trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illnesses while emphasizing prevention and the body’s self-healing process. Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools provide rigorous training, encompassing biomedical sciences alongside natural approaches to therapy. The curriculum includes clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, and counseling, among others, fostering a comprehensive understanding of health and healing.

The Therapeutic Order

Central to Naturopathic Medicine is the Therapeutic Order, developed by Drs. Jared Zeff and Pamela Snyder, guiding the application of therapies in a natural and progressive manner. From removing obstacles to health to utilizing pharmacologic substances when necessary, Naturopathic Doctors employ a range of modalities to restore balance and vitality.

Embracing Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine offers a beacon of hope amidst the prevailing healthcare crisis. By focusing on prevention and the body’s innate healing capacity, Naturopathic Doctors strive to restore balance and vitality to individuals’ lives. From personalized treatment plans to addressing the underlying causes of illness, Naturopathic Medicine embodies a holistic approach that resonates with the needs of our time.

The Road Ahead

As we navigate the complex landscape of healthcare in the United States, it’s clear that change is imperative. By advocating for licensure and recognition of Naturopathic Medicine nationwide, we can broaden access to holistic healthcare options, alleviate the burden of chronic disease, and foster a culture of wellness and prevention.

As a proud graduate of Bastyr University and a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Washington, I am committed to advancing Naturopathic Medicine’s principles. Here in Michigan, we are working tirelessly to secure licensure, expanding our scope of practice and empowering our community with holistic healthcare options.

By supporting the Michigan Association of Naturopathic Doctors (at www.michnd.org), you can join us in this vital endeavor, advocating for a healthcare system that embraces diversity, prevention, and the inherent power of the body to heal

The current state of healthcare in the United States demands urgent action. By embracing holistic approaches like Naturopathic Medicine and prioritizing prevention, we can usher in a new era of wellness and vitality for generations to come.

As we embark on this journey together, my mission is clear – to illuminate the path to holistic health and empower you to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Remember, your health is your greatest asset, and investing in it is key to living a fulfilling life.

Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode of Mind, Body, Luminosity. Stay curious, stay mindful, and stay healthy. Wishing you wellness and abundance until we meet again.