Dr. Chris D. Meletis

The Nature of Naturopathic Medicine 

Naturopathy is a system of medicine that blends centuries-old natural, nontoxic therapies with advances in science and cutting edge research to cover all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care. Naturopathy differs from conventional medicine in the treatments it uses, the diversity it offers, and most importantly in philosophy and beliefs. A naturopathic doctor (ND) seeks to remove the cause of illness rather than merely eliminate or suppress symptoms. He or she believes in treating the whole person, not just the physical aspects of disease. The Naturopath trusts that the body has an innate ability to heal itself if given the opportunity.

Education and Licensing of Naturopathic Physicians

A Naturopathic doctor (ND) is trained as primary health care physician. Naturopathic training consists of a four to five year graduate level program, in a nationally accredited medical school. The first two years of schooling are similar to those of a conventional medical doctor (MD) consisting of basic sciences course such as anatomy, cellular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and pathology. The final years of school consist of specialized academic course such as cardiology, gynecology, gastroenterology and urology as well as classes in naturopathic therapeutic techniques such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, physiotherapy, counseling and more. Following graduation, all NDs must pass a national board examination to become licensed. There are currently four accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in the country, and NDs are licensed in 14 states as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.  All Physicians at Beaverton Naturopathic Medicine are licensed by the State of Oregon.

In addition to educating and treating our patients, NDs are also licensed to write prescriptions and perform minor surgery. NDs work closely with other medical professionals, and refer patients as needed (such as major surgery, chiropractic care, physical therapy, etc.) As with other medical professionals, naturopathic physicians are required to take continuing education classes to maintain and renew their licenses.

Six Basic Tenements of Naturopathic Medicine

First Do No Harm
Naturopathic physicians prefer noninvasive treatments, which minimize the risks of harmful side effects. They are trained to know which patients they can treat safely, and which ones they need to refer to other health care practitioners.

The Healing Power of Nature
Nature acts powerfully through the healing mechanisms of the body and mind to maintain and restore health. It is the role of the physician is to restore and support these inherent healing systems and remove any obstacles to healing.

Treat the Cause
Every illness has an underlying cause, often an aspect of the lifestyle, diet, or habits of the individual. A naturopathic physician is trained to find and remove the underlying cause of a disease and not just palliate symptoms.

Treat the Whole Person
Health or disease results from a complex interaction of mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all these factors into account.

Physician as Teacher
It is the role of the physician to help the patient recognize the roadblocks to health, and not to restore health, but to educate and encourage the patient to take responsibility for their own health. It is the patient, not the doctor, who ultimately accomplishes healing.

Preventative Medicine
The naturopathic approach to health care can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious, chronic, or degenerative diseases. Patients are taught the principles with which to live a healthy life; by following these principles, they can prevent major illnesses.

IV Nutritional Therapy

Intravenous and intramuscular nutritional therapy is the injection of vitamins and minerals into muscle or directly into veins. This treatment is often employed in cases of compromised intestinal absorption as well as in other disease states. To be used by the body, nutrients must be first absorbed through the intestines and then be transported across the cell membranes. If the cell is sick, it does not perform these functions well and nutrients cannot get into the cell where they are needed. Flooding the body with nutrients creates a high concentration gradient that allows the nutrients to passively move into the cell where they can perform the functions that the cell needs the most.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the Law of Similars, or more simply put “like cures like”. Though often misused as a word to describe many holistic practitioners, a Homeopath is simply someone who uses a very dilute substance to treat symptoms that the same substance may induce in a larger dose. Homeopathy works on a subtle, yet powerful electromagnetic level, gently acting to strengthen the body’s healing and immune response. Homeopathic remedies are chosen based on the patients complete symptom picture and therefore are completely unique to the patient. The total patterns of mental, emotional and physical symptoms are indications of the body’s effort to defend and heal itself. For this reason the same remedy may not be used for two patients presenting with similar ailments.