Category:Research

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Naturopathic Medical Research

"Not only do we have good scientific basis for what we do, but we also use the same scientific literature orthodox MD's use to prove the validity of what we do and to discredit much of current orthodox medical practices." Joe Pizzorno, ND
Article Research and the Value of Evidence in Naturopathic Medicine, Vital Link; 2009 Winter/Spring

The practice of naturopathic medicine has always been supported by research and it continues to be an important part of naturopathic medicine. In fact, research on Nutrition, Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Botanical Medicine has been conducted and published for over 100 years. Research is taught in all accredited naturopathic colleges and they all conduct research and promote the ongoing research of naturopathic medicine. Peer-reviewed research-based articles also appear in a number of naturopathic journals.

Every profession strives to develop a knowledge base that maximizes its effectiveness and safety. Research also provides a common language between professionals and aids collaboration and integration. Research is most valuable when the type of research that is conducted closely matches the theories and therapeutic methods being tested. When the aim of research is to test the elements of clinical practice, then the research design must match to how a profession actually practices. To fully understand the research support of a profession it is helpful to understand the history of research, the different research philosophies and the different research designs. There are many ways in which the scientific method is used and applied appropriately to naturopathic medicine, but there are also many ways in which this method is neither appropriate not applicable. With advances in new forms of research there is a greater abilty to design effective research studies that address the vitalistic and holistic principles of naturopathic medicine.

Research Departments at the Naturopathic Colleges

Other Research Resources

  • INCAM Research [1] The Canadian Interdisciplinary Network for CAM Research (IN-CAM) is an interdisciplinary, collaborative research network, created to foster excellence in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)* research in Canada. Since it’s launch in 2004, IN-CAM’s innovative approach to networking has helped to define a CAM research community in Canada. CAM researchers now have a place to gather, share their research results, and develop collaborative projects.
  • National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [2] lists health information, research, clinical trials, training, medical news & events, & provides list of website resources. NCCAM is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science,training researchers and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals.
  • National Institute of Health [3]
  • World Health Organization [5]