Dr. Judy Gianni, NMD

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Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct profession of primary healthcare that places an emphasis on disease prevention, natural therapies, and promotion of optimum health. The goal of the naturopathic physician is to treat the whole person, restoring balance to the body, mind, and spirit by removing the “obstacles of cure” rather than simply treating a set of symptoms. The human body has a tremendous capacity to heal itself. The principle known as vis medicatrix naturae, or the healing power of nature, is the foundation of naturopathic philosophy and practice.

Although the term naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, was not used until the late 19th century, its philosophical roots date back thousands of years. The science of naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive body of knowledge derived from both age-old traditional systems of healing and contemporary cutting-edge scientific understanding of the human organism.  Naturopathy is a blending of the science of medicine and the art of healing.

Naturopathic physicians use many of the same conventional methods of diagnosis used by other doctors, including but not limited to: blood tests, urinalysis, physical exam, x-ray and ultrasound. They may additionally do saliva, blood or urine testing for assessing neurotransmitter levels, toxic metal analysis, food allergy testing and specialized stool testing, to name a few. More importantly, a naturopathic physician gathers information by active listening.  Naturopathic physicians ideally avoid treatments that merely suppress symptoms and counteract the body’s innate ability to heal itself, but instead use therapeutic substances and techniques that act in harmony with the body. Getting to the root of the problem requires sharp diagnostics and a thorough understanding of how the body’s processes work.

Naturopathic medicine with its holistic philosophy may utilize a multifaceted approach, including therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, spinal and soft tissue therapies, lifestyle management, cleansing and detoxification, and emotional and spiritual counseling to create a unique program that is custom-designed for the patient’s individual needs.  When the situation arises, naturopathic physicians in the State of Arizona are licensed to prescribe certain prescriptive medicines, as well.  The naturopathic physician becomes a partner in health with his or her patients, encouraging participation in the healing process on every level and in every step along the way.

Education

Naturopathic physicians undergo training similar to other doctors. Naturopathic medical schools are four-year post graduate schools with rigorous admission requirements. These schools mirror conventional medical schools in that the basic courses are the same, including: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, gynecology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, psychology, minor surgery, and physical and clinical diagnosis.  Naturopathic physicians receive additional training in therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine therapy and compounding, homeopathic prescribing hydrotherapy, spinal manipulation, and soft-tissue therapies.  Naturopathic physicians are trained as general practitioners with the ability to provide a wide range of individual, family, and community healthcare for people of all ages; however, they can and do work in conjunction with other medical doctors, specialists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, psychotherapists, and counselors.


Conditions often helped through naturopathic medicine:


  • Skin conditions (acne, eczema, etc.)
  • Menopausal &  hormonal imbalances
  • Cold and flu
  • High blood pressure
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Crohn’s and Colitis
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Constipation
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Ear Infections
  • Arthritis
  • Headaches
  • Ulcers
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Candidiasis
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • PMS


And much, much more!

“…for the part can never be well unless the whole is well…” Plato


“The art of healing comes from nature and not the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature with an open mind.”  Paracelsus


​"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”   Thomas Edison

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