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Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine: Natural Medicine in the Modern Context

Naturopathic medicine is emerging as America's safe, alternative approach to primary care that empowers patients to maintain health naturally. Students will receive a comprehensive overview of naturopathic medicine, including its history, training, philosophy and treatments including nutrition, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, physical medicine, mind-body medicine, and environmental influences on health and disease. Student will learn numerous techniques for self-care, as well as larger theoretical concepts of natural medicine.

  • Understand history and evolution of Naturopathic medicine in the United States.
  • Understand similarities and differences in training programs for lay naturopaths vs. naturopathic doctors (ND), and from other physicians such as medical doctors (MD) and osteopathic doctors (DO.)
  • Apply basic principles and philosophy of Naturopathic medicine and compare to conventional models of health and disease.
  • Learn to apply practical nutritional knowledge to make better food choices including cooking techniques, preparation and meal planning.
  • Understand theory and practice of herbal medicine and its history.
  • Understand fundamental differences between homeopathy and herbs or supplements. Learn uses of homeopathy for first aid, as well as chronic disease treatment.
  • Understand therapeutic uses of water therapy in clinical and home settings, and how they affect the body's functions.
  • Understand interconnections between mind and body and learn practical tools to support better health.
  • Learn about structural realignment of skeleton, and what conditions are best treated by these techniques.
  • Identify and avoid potential toxic environmental influences. Learn about their effects on health, including food quality, agricultural practices, and home environment. Learn of the variety of treatments for detoxification including IV and oral chelation therapy, and dietary and digestive cleansing techniques.
  • Throughout the course, student should be learning a variety of tools they can use to stay healthy, including self-care for colds and flus.

There will be periodic quizzes, a personal experience paper, and one final exam.

This course is a USM School of Nursing academic course open to USM Professional Development Students for continuing education credits (CEUs). Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive 3.6 CEUs.

Sarah Kotzur, Nd., earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in 2006. She has practiced Naturopathic medicine in Maine since 2007. Dr. Kotzur specializes in drug-free treatments for mental and emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, memory difficulties, and cognitive decline due to neurological disorders. She has experience treating gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. In addition, Dr. Kotzur treats musculoskeletal pain and tension using gentle Naturopathic Manipulative Techniques. She lectures regularly at Maine Medical Center and at regional conferences for health professionals.


14 Tuesdays, January 15-April 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Registration has ended. Please browse courses for future offerings of this course.

$495 (36 contact hours/ 3.6 CEUs)
Payson Smith 42

 

This is an undergraduate academic course offered through USM's School of Nursing and open to USM Professional Development Students. Class meets 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30.