Naturopathic Health Care
aturopathy is a unique and distinct system of health care that emphasizes the use of prevention and natural therapeutics. Naturopathic physicians are trained to serve as primary care general practitioners and are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions.
The naturopathic physician or N.D. is trained to serve as a primary care general practitioner. Naturopathic physicians are trained at an accredited, four-year, post-graduate educational institution. Naturopathic physicians have knowledge of the conventional medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecology. In addition, there are extensive studies in multiple natural therapies.
Naturopathic physicians are guided by six principles:
- First, Do No Harm
- The Healing Power of Nature
- Find the Cause
- Treat the Whole Person
- Preventive Medicine
- Doctor as Teacher
This set of principles, emphasized throughout a naturopathic physician’s training, outlines the philosophy guiding the naturopathic approach to health and healing and forms the foundation of this distinct health care practice.
Naturopathic practitioners use a variety of natural and non-invasive therapies, including clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and counseling. Naturopathic treatments are effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, often without the need for additional intervention. Naturopathic physicians are also able to function within an integrated framework, with Naturopathic therapies used to complement treatments used by conventionally trained medical doctors. The result is a patient-centered approach that strives to provide the most appropriate treatment for an individual’s needs.
Dr. Lourie attended the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon and graduated in 1983. 
