20th annual convention of US Naturopathic physicians convenes Aug. 24, 2005 in Phoenix

Main Category: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 17 Jun 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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The nation's top naturopathic physicians are convening in Phoenix to discuss the latest developments in this branch of the complementary and alternative medicine field, and hold their annual convention.

WHERE and WHEN: The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians' (AANP) 20th Annual Convention & Exposition will be held August 24-27, 2005 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, AZ. Research presentations will be offered daily throughout the conference.

WHY: A growing number of Americans are turning to naturopathic care to replace or augment the care they receive from conventional medical practitioners. A 2004 patient survey conducted by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) found that patients stated that their primary reason for seeking naturopathic care was to gain more control over their health.

Naturopathic medicine is not new. Hipocrates, a physician who lived some 2400 years ago, is considered the earliest predecessor of naturopathic care. His teachings emphasized "nature is healer of all diseases" from which he created the concept vis medicatrix naturae, the "healing power of nature." This concept has been at the core of medicine in many cultures and is a central theme of naturopathic physician care in the United States.

Conventional and naturopathic care differ in three important ways. First, in conventional medical care, each condition requires its own specialist and types of medication. By contrast, naturopathic medical care treats the entire person, not just the "complaint." Prescription medication is not generally used. Secondly, naturopathic physicians believe that prevention is the best cure. Finally, the cornerstone of naturopathic medical care is the belief that the body can do a great deal to heal itself and restore it to its optimum state. Restoring the body's health is done in conjunction with natural therapies such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutritional supplements (nutraceuticals), lifestyle change, acupuncture, counseling and sometimes prescription drugs.

Naturopathic physicians are unique physicians in that they have been trained in the medical and diagnostic sciences like their MD and DO counterparts. In addition, they have been trained in these natural therapies and integrate all of these methods to find the best treatment mix for each individual patient.

Members of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians are the best trained naturopathic physicians in the United States. They have attended an accredited naturopathic medical school, passed a professional board exam, abide by a rigorous code of ethics, and in 14 states and the District of Columbia, are required to pass a licensing exam in order to practice.

This year's meeting will offer updates on new treatments for diseases and other medical disorders that are treated by naturopathic physicians. We hope you will join us.

FOR THE MEDIA: Findings from select research presentations will be provided in separate news releases and provided to the press on an embargoed basis. For information, please contact Donna Krupa at 703.967.2751 or djkrupa1@aol.com. Select releases will also be available on the AANP homepage http://www.naturopathic.org on August 24, 2005.

NEWSROOM: Members of the media are invited to attend the conference. An onsite newsroom will be open to the press during the following hours:

Wednesday, August 24, 2005
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM MST

Thursday, August 25, 2005
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM MST

Friday, August 26, 2005
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM MST

Saturday, August 27, 2005
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST

Please see the AANP website for requirements for valid press credentials.

CONTACT INFO: Contact Donna Krupa at 703.527.7357 (office) 703.967.2751 (cell) or djkrupa1@aol.com for news releases, interview opportunities and additional program information.

Contact: Donna Krupa
djkrupa1@aol.com
703-527-7357 (office)
703-967-2751 (cell)
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://www.naturopathic.org

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