Naturopath

[Ashartus]

Originally Posted by Pinner

Here in BC they need alot of schooling, more than I thought.


What kind of education do Naturopathic Doctors Have?

The problem isn't the amount of education, it's what they're being educated in. A fairly large portion of the curriculum is pseudo-science and ancient superstitions. Here's some of what they learn in Canada (straight from the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors):
"There are six major disciplines that define the areas of naturopathic practice. Each discipline is a distinct area of practice and includes both diagnostic principles and practices as well as therapeutic skills and techniques. They include: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulation and lifestyle counselling."

While clinical nutrition and possibly botanical medicine (if taught properly - I have my doubts) may be useful, the rest is pretty much quackery.

[Pinner]

Originally Posted by Hesla

Homeopathy is just bat-sh*t craziness. Pure and simple placebo effect.

If they are "Quacks" why would they spend 7 years in school, and take the same pre med as Doctors? I don't get that ?

[Knut]

^ I said HOMEOPATHY.

[Knut]

Besides.... Pre-med is not Medical school. It is a bachelor of Science degree. Which gives no one any right to treat an illness. You learn how the body works and nothing about Pharmacology, Immunology and how to diagnose Illness.

[Ashartus]

Originally Posted by kipperiggy

But the remedies are all natural. So like bcb said, at best, it will help me, at worst, no harm is done.

While I'm ranting anyhow, "natural" definitely doesn't mean safe; some of the most toxic substances known are natural, and lots of herbal products have toxic effects or can cause potentially fatal drug interactions.

A more detailed account of why I think "natural" products shouldn't be assumed to be safe: http://ashartus.wordpress.com/2010/0...-safe-fallacy/

[Burninator]

Just because naturopathy is rigorous and lengthy doesn't mean it's valid.

Garbage in, garbage out.

[Pinner]

Well like I said, regular doctors don't have time for their patients.

I'm going to a Naturopathic Doctor for a consult, they know alot more about my body than I can learn on the net.

[photon]

Last time I went to my doctor we spent almost 40 minutes talking and she didn't prescribe me anything

[Pinner]

Originally Posted by photon

Last time I went to my doctor we spent almost 40 minutes talking and she didn't prescribe me anything

Now we know why we have to wait, thanks buddy. What a stud. LoL

[peter12]

Originally Posted by photon

Last time I went to my doctor we spent almost 40 minutes talking and she didn't prescribe me anything

Yep, last visit with my doctor was a 30 minute consultation. In fact, I just got through a major health crisis where my doctor was there for me at every step, giving me good advice about medication and other stuff.

Naturopaths/chiropractors/acupuncturists are all crap.

These CP threads are my favourite.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by Pinner

Well like I said, regular doctors don't have time for their patients.

I'm going to a Naturopathic Doctor for a consult, they know alot more about my body than I can learn on the net.

I know it is tough to get in with SOME GP's, but try to take what the naturopath says with a grain of salt. It is important that you properly research everything they recommend and consult with your family physician. Also, make sure that you tell your family doctor any naturopathic therapy you are doing so that they can make sure they do not prescribe anything that is contraindicated.

Naturopath's should be seen as an addition to your existing Medical care, not as an Alternative.

[kermitology]

All I know is that doctors were never able to figure out that my girlfriend has a wheat and corn allergy, but a Naturopath did.

[Knut]

^ That is fine. But would a Naturopath be able to tell your girlfriend that she has Aortic Valve Stenosis or Carotid Arterial disease ?

That is why a Naturopath needs to be seen as Additive, not as an Alternative.

[Pinner]

Well said Helsa

We are 58th in the world for Doctors per 1000.
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/he...r-1-000-people

I hate when people don't think a Chiropractor can fix you up, wake up man. I've only been once, but wow, truly amazing.

[photon]

Originally Posted by peter12

Naturopaths/chiropractors/acupuncturists are all crap.

In general I agree though that's not to say that some things in those disciplines aren't without merit.

A naturopath giving nutrition and lifestyle counseling isn't giving bad information, and not all chiropractors are of the full body x-ray / don't vaccinate your kids / disease is caused by subluxations quacks, some are closer to physio types, and there is some merit to some acupuncture (though not because of chi and lay lines).

I don't disagree that the lack of personal interaction and support from a doctor factor in the industry either, there's been studies on that as well.

However the real problem I see with these things is it still promotes magical thinking.. there's no physical harm in visiting someone and going home with expensive vials of water to drink, but there is still a harm overall.

[Phaneuf3]

Originally Posted by kipperiggy

But the remedies are all natural. So like bcb said, at best, it will help me, at worst, no harm is done.

"All natural" does not work that way.




This is hemlock. It is all natural and therefore, safe. If you ever see it, try some.

[photon]

Originally Posted by kermitology

All I know is that doctors were never able to figure out that my girlfriend has a wheat and corn allergy, but a Naturopath did.

Right, but were they right for the right reason, or the wrong reason? Even a stopped clock is right twice a day, and if a naturopath sees 1000 clients they're going to do get some things right.

The question is can they diagnose everyone who has a wheat and corn allergy? Or out of the 1000 clients that visit them, how many do they actually get right?

[Pinner]

I suspect from my research and talking to a dietitian that my liver/adrenal glands may not be working well.

I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow, he will have my latest blood work results and I'll see what he says.

The next day I will take the blood work results to the Naturopathic doctor and get a thorough exam etc. ? And see what she says.

I am taking control of my health using what I can, to improve my health.

My thinking is, improving liver function might be more in the Naturopaths expertise.

Doctors treat symptoms, usually with drugs, Naturopathic doctors treat the person, usually with lifestyle and dietary changes.

[VladtheImpaler]

I find the profession "dubious", but Mrs. Impaler swears by it, and it seems to work for her. Even if it's the placebo effect, what do I care? The outcome is positive. I just try to minimize her "vitamin" expenditures.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by photon

Right, but were they right for the right reason, or the wrong reason? Even a stopped clock is right twice a day, and if a naturopath sees 1000 clients they're going to do get some things right.

The question is can they diagnose everyone who has a wheat and corn allergy? Or out of the 1000 clients that visit them, how many do they actually get right?

So it's pure luck of the draw that she was diagnosed with these allergies?