The North Carolina Naturopathic Physicians Registration Act

There are two bills (one in the Senate, one in the House) in North Carolina that are called the “Naturopathic Physicians Registration Act.” These bills are very bad news for Naturopaths and people that care about Health Care Freedom in North Carolina. Why? For the full story, check this web site (which I also designed):

Classical Naturopathy Web Site

Why license traditional Naturopathic Practitioners at all? Haven’t Traditional Naturopaths been teaching wellness for many, many years without licensure? Well, there are two main “drivers” for such licensure among the states considering it (like North Carolina.)

One, an organization, founded and primarily composed of one group of so-called “Naturopathic Physicians” have been attempting to “stir up” U.S. state legislatures with “dire warnings” of the practices of “unlicensed health practitioners.” They cite examples of so-called “Naturopaths” that have recommended that individuals go off their insulin, or other medications, with, of course, tragic consequences. They incite fear and use the good will of men and women in positions of influence in state governments to “drum up” the call for licensure. The second reason stipulated as a driver for licensure is to “controlâ€? the practice of Naturopathy because the advocates of licensure liken Naturopathy to Medical Practice. Which, by definition, Naturopathy IS NOT!

But what is the real reason the these so-called “Naturopathic Physiciansâ€? are doing this? In my persoanl opinion it is to “co-opt” the term “Naturopath,” “ND,” and “Naturopathic” as their own… to the exclusion of classical, and traditional definitions of Naturopathy. This group, led by an organization called the “AANP” (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians) go from state to state, and, in so many words, say that THEY are, in fact, the only TRUE Naturopaths, and that THEY are the ones that should define what Naturopathy is. This has led many states to acquiesce to their demands and one-sided proclamations and pass laws that, in effect, “shut out” the Traditional Naturopath from using the term “Naturopath,” or “ND,” when referring to themselves. In effect, if one didn’t go to the AANP’s “approved school list,” then one can’t use the term “ND!”

First, let’s examine some definitions. A “Naturopath” is historically simply a teacher of wellness, that by traditional definition DOES NOT use surgery, drugs, or other harsh, or invasive methodology in their consulting. In fact, the acknowledged founder of American Naturopathy, Dr. Benedict Lust, told Naturopaths, “Remember: Naturopaths are Doctors – minus Materia Medica and Surgery”. The “materia medica” Dr. Lust was referring to was prescription drugs. The AANP, and those of their ilk, have attempted to re-define Naturopathy to be a “poor man’s medicine” INCLUDING the use of surgery and prescribing drugs! If one wants to be an Allopathic Doctor (MD), then they should go to medical school and get an MD! It is folly to re-define the traditional, classic Naturopathic practices to include that which was never a part of the practice to begin with! They have begun calling themselves “NMDs” or Naturopathic Medical Doctors, and they wear white lab coats to help foster the notion that they are “medical men and women.” And they are attempting to re-define a traditional practice of teaching wellness, and are, at the same time, “cutting out the competition,” if you will, in one fell swoop!

Unfortunately, on the surface, this plan to “steal” the term “Naturopathy” appears to be working! The Traditional Naturopath is a simple teacher of health practices and wellness, they are not organized and backed by large organization that are lobbying state legislatures… and they are being overrun!

The AANP even has a special web site that lists how to approach state legislatures, gives “talking points” to introduce licensing (favorably) to them, and then proceeds to “educate” their people about getting a state to invoke licensure!

Have there been extremes and bad advice given by so-called “Naturopaths” that has been a detriment to individuals in the past? Yes, of course. There are “bad apples” in any profession, and there are laws in place to deal with such problems. My heart (and prayers) go out to anyone that has received bad health information or counsel. However, the vast majority of Classical Naturopaths would NEVER counsel anyone to go off their medicines or go against a doctor’s advice! The common statement heard by reputable Naturopaths is to “check with your doctor about any recommendations made or supplements suggested.” Our tradition is non-evasive and is guided by the simple admonition of Hippocrates, “Above all do no harm.” This, from a man who was himself a true Naturopath. One that recommended nutritional therapies such as herbs to remedy conditions of sub-health.

Now, let’s consider the question of using the term “ND.” An “ND” is one that has entered a field of study and earned a doctorate in the field of Classical Naturopathy. The AANP would assert that only their short list of “approved schools” (approved only by this one group) can award an “ND.” They have even set up their OWN accrediting organization to this end, the CNME. In this way, they are an “authority” unto themselves! This is the equivalent of, say, North Carolina State University suddenly declaring, “Only our BAs (Bachelor of Arts) are real degrees! Any other school is a sham!” If I had received a BA degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill… would I still have a “real” BA? (Of course I would!) What if NC State petitioned the NC Legislature to legally bar the use of the term “BA” by University of NC at Chapel Hill alumni? Oh, there would be a hew and cry! But in fact, simply because people such as the AANP have made an effort and have the financial backing that allow them to co-op the term “ND” to be theirs and theirs alone, and have misled well meaning legislators to support these efforts… they have helped pass laws that bar other legitimate school’s alumni from even using the term “ND” after their name, they have effectively “closed out” anyone that would claim an “ND” and practice Traditional Naturopathy! This is a shame, and is a sad turn of events!

I, personally, am one of those that have studied Traditional Naturopathy and reject the idea that a Naturopath would EVER perform surgery, or prescribe medication. I have earned my Doctorate in Naturopathy from the Trinity College of Natural Health (not one of the AANP’s so-called “approved schools.”) I also have a Ph.D. in Theology, and I am a Certified Natural Health Professional. However, if the law pending in North Carolina is passed, I will be LEGALLY UNABLE to use the degree I have worked so hard to earn! By “use,” I mean I will be unable to use “ND” on a business card… and I am not even clear if I will be able to hang the degree on the wall of my home! This, in my opinion, is a tragic injustice to those of us who are studying the true, non-invasive, non-medical Traditional Naturopathy!

Let your North Carolina Representatives hear that NC House Bill 1234 and NC Senate Bill 1025 are BAD legislation! And, refer them to the web site I listed above!

Over the Counter Cough Syrup is Useless!

Over the Counter (OTC) cough syrup is heavily advertised to help you keep coughing to a minimum during illness. But a new study says, in effect, don’t waste your money!

OTC Cough Syrup is Useless!

“Irwin’s committee echoed a 2004 paper by the Cochrane Collaboration, a non-profit group that reviews scientific evidence for medical treatments: ‘There is no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of OTC medicines in acute cough.'”

They go on to say that there is a string placebo effect that probably explains why people think they are effective.

How to Detox

I had a question from one of our readers in Canada on what to do to detox. I decided to go ahead and list my answer here, with the links, because I figure that many others may have this question as well…

There are several good links that I like:

This one:

Healthy.net Detox Article

Especially the section on: “How Do We Detoxify/Cleanse?”

And:

Detox Information

Here’s the “Supports” Section from that page:

Supports

Because of its many metabolic functions, the liver is the most important detoxification organ. Liver-supportive nutrients like the B vitamins (especially B3 and B6), vitamins A and C, zinc, calcium, vitamin E, selenium and L-cysteine are supportive of liver detoxification. Some doctors recommend a liver glandular during cleanses.

Saunas, sweats and dry brushing the skin are commonly used during cleanses to help purify the body through enhanced skin elimination. Massage therapy, especially lymphatic and even deeper massage, is also useful in supporting a detoxification program.

There are many cleansing herbs, including garlic, red clover, echinacea, dandelion root, chaparral, cayenne pepper, ginger root, licorice root, yellow dock, burdock, parsley and goldenseal.

I hope this helps!

New Studies: Statins Do Not Prevent Cancer

Two new studies show that statins, the popular drugs used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks, offer no protection against cancer, contrary to what some earlier studies suggested.

Statins Do Not Prevent Cancer

Statin drugs have taken a lot of heat recently as some studies indicate that they may damage the heart and liver. Again, I firmly believe that the natural approach is best. Diet, exercise, and healthy attitudes and living will stand you in good stead!

Vitamin D Can Lower Cancer Risk

A new study confirms what naturopaths have long taught… natural sunshine, which produces Vitamin D in the body, can help ward off cancer.

Vitamin D and Cancer

“Researchers reviewed 63 old studies and found that the vitamin could reduce the chances of developing breast, ovarian and colon cancer, and others.”

“The ‘natural’ form of the vitamin, called D3, is normally produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight, but is also obtained from certain foods such as oily fish, margarine and meat.”

“Scientists said analysis showed that, for at least some cancers, the vitamin D factor could not be ignored. Taking 1,000 international units (IU) – or 25 micrograms – of the vitamin daily could lower an individual’s cancer risk by 50% in colon cancer, and by 30% in breast and ovarian cancer, they said.”

H1303 – Critical Natural Health Bill in NC!

I try to keep you informed on Natural Health Freedom issues. Read up on this critical House Bill proposal that would preserve your rights to Natural Health practitioners in North Carolina:

House Bill 1303 in North Carolina

I am working with the Citizens for Healthcare Freedom in North Carolina to try to get this bill passed. It would go a LONG way to preserving our Natural Health rights!

To summarize the bill, practitioners of natural health modalities ranging from naturopathy to bodywork, would be able to practice freely and legally as long as they follow these guidelines.

“ . . . Prior to providing such services, disclose to the client in a plainly worded written statement all of the following information:
(1) The practitioner’s name, business address, and telephone number.
(2) That he or she is not a physician, surgeon, or medical doctor, or other licensed health care professional, and that he or she is not licensed, certified, or registered, by the state of North Carolina.
(3) The nature of the health care services to be provided.
(4) The degrees, training, experience, credentials, or other qualifications of the practitioner regarding the health care services being provided.�

High Veggie Diet May Help Ward Off Cancer

Veggies are good for you! We’ve known that for some time. Now, it seems that research is proving this out!

High Veggie Diet May Help Ward Off Cancer

One of my instructors once told me that the best thing that you can do from a dietary point of view is to “eat lot’s of colors” when it comes to vegetables. In other words, not just greens, but yellows (corn, squash), purple (eggplant), red (tomatoes, beets), and orange (carrots), as examples. So… be sure to eat your colors!

FDA Proposes Lower Lead Levels in Candy

Lead, and any heavy metals, are VERY bad for your health. The FDA quideline has been 0.5 ppm for candy products. The proposed new level that is “acceptable” would be 0.1 part per million (ppm) of lead.

FDA Proposes Lower Lead Levels in Candy

“Lead poisoning is associated with behavior and learning problems in children, and can also cause seizures or death. The risk is greatest in children aged 6 and younger. Most domestic and imported candies already have lead levels of 0.1 ppm or less. Certain candies imported from Mexico, however, have higher levels, apparently as a result of ingredients such as chili powder and salt. ”

Herbs that can help cleanse tissues of heavy metals:

1) Liver – spirulina, garlic, milk thistle, triphala, artichoke, fenugreek, turmeric

2) Lungs – garlic, mullein, oregano, turmeric, red clover

3) Lymphatic System – spirulina, garlic, green tea, red clover

4) Kidneys – dandelion leaf, spirulina, parsley, artichoke, nettle

5) Skin – oatstraw, red clover

6) Blood – artichoke, turmeric, red clover

7) Bowel – triphala, marshmallow, slippery elm

Eli Lilly to Settle for $36 Million

“Eli Lilly and Co. said Wednesday it has agreed to plead guilty to a federal misdemeanor and pay $36 million to settle charges that it illegally marketed and promoted its Evista osteoporosis drug for two unapproved uses.”

Eli Lilly Will Settle for $36 Million

Big Pharma wants to expand it’s market. If it has to break the rules to do so, well, so it goes. They are required to make a profit, not find optimal drugs… when push comes to shove. They have to justify their research, and it’s costs. You have a choice as an individual to use natural health resources… not rely on drugs and drug companies. The person that you see in the mirror is the person that is responsible for your health.

Are the Fillings in Your Teeth Toxic?

The short answer is, “Yes,” if they are mercury amalgam fillings, however, the long answer is much more complicated. “Yes,” because the mercury in them is unquestionably toxic. “Possibly, no,” if they are sealed properly and are not leaking material into your system. The only way to really know is testing.

Here is an interesting article on the issue from the Chicago Tribune:

Are Your Fillings Toxic?

Simply having your fillings extracted may cause more trouble than it is worth if you don’t currently have issues from your fillings, as the extraction process itself carries the risk of releasing material into the body. I would certainly not get any MORE amalgam fillings… there are good alternatives… but you would need to be tested to see if there are issues from your current fillings.

More Info on Mercury in Fillings

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