Naturopathic Medicine Lessons for Living and Lifestyle

By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

See all Articles submitted by SelfGrowth.com AdminSee SelfGrowth.com Admin's Expert PageGet Updates on Naturopathic MedicineGet Updates on SelfGrowth.com Admin

An Interview with Author and Naturopathic Doctor Holly Lucille

Though many individuals may have an expressed interest in naturopathic medicine “this is a field that people are drawn to,” says Holly Lucille, N.D., former president of the California Naturopathic Doctor’s Association. Boasting over a decade of experience in naturopathy, Lucille has been featured on the Discovery Health Channel, Lifetime Television, and is the author of “Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Woman’s Guido to Safe, Natural, Hormone Health.”

Lucille didn’t achieve her many accolades without an extreme level of commitment and desire. “(After) I discovered the American Holistic Nursing Association, I found that I went home. It was a comprehensive perspective that made a lot of sense to me – a philosophy of looking at the whole person.”

In addition to earning her Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Lucille pursued her post-graduate certificate in holistic nursing at the age of 30, which took an additional three years. Supplementing her four-year naturopathic medicine program with two back-to-back residencies, Lucille said, “I wouldn’t take back a second. (I’m) grateful for my experience. At the end of the day,” she remarked, “(we’re) patient advocates. Healthcare is a service industry, and the focus needs to be on health.”

Lucille encourages individuals to take control of their decisions, and what they put into their bodies. “Don’t follow the old paradigm of ‘what my doctor told me to do’ recommendations,” Lucille added, “You have the responsibility for your health.”

More notably, Lucille said that personal empowerment is key to helping patients ‘get into their bodies’ -- to understand what is right for them. When it comes to individuals pursuing the natural health field, “It’s important to be credentialed,” says Lucille, “First, do no harm - Don't practice outside your scope and education; and have respect and integrity in the field.”

Dr. Lucille said that there are many preventable, chronic diseases; like diabetes and heart disease, among others. “It’s not rocket science,” says Lucille, “(it’s) lifestyles choices -- diet and exercise…the fundamentals of health.” She explained that the main difference between conventional medical wisdom and naturopathic medicine is that fact that naturopathy seeks to find the root cause to stimulate a cure. “There are a lot of different things we can do; beginning with the least invasive treatment of the whole person -- identifying and treating the cause.” Of the many principles taught in naturopathy, Lucille’s favorite: doctor as teacher. “When people are informed, they're empowered,” says Lucille, “(but) I don't just teach in my practice - there's a lot of understanding into what's going on so consumers can make choices best for their situation.”

Dr. Lucille shared her ten natural allergy relief tips, which include herbal medicine, hydration, and probiotics; and a special herbal formula called Seasonal Freedom ™ by Enzymatic Therapy. “The reason why the herbal formula works so well,” explained Lucille “is the combination of ingredients; which include natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properites. Studies have shown amazing results. It’s just been absolutely wonderful regarding allergy relief.”

There are several individuals, who suffer from pollen-related allergies. I asked Dr. Lucille her opinion on the recent health revelations on honey, “There is an antimicrobial aspect of honey; it is extremely effective on staph infections,” Lucille continued, “(and) it’s definitely beneficial for its rich nutrients.”

Having an extensive background in conventional medicine, Dr. Lucille expressed a great level of respect for the varied healthcare disciplines; however there are a number of health conditions that can be addressed by naturopathic medical care. "I honestly think beyond urgent care, naturopathic medicine can pretty much handle patient health needs. The fact of the matter is that in 15 states we're licensed as primary care givers -- we definitely see pretty much everything."

Lucille emphasized consumer importance, and a concerted effort to work together with conventional medical doctors. However, from the case histories she’s taken in her practice, there were two models that stood out from the rest. One of her patients suffered from ulcerated colitis. Devastated by the autoimmune disorder, and having seen several conventional doctors, the 23-year old patient was cured with the aid of naturopathy. Another case involved a patient, who suffered from Syndrome X (including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.). After the woman was treated with naturopathy, her health was restored.

When asked what advice she might give to aspiring naturopathic physicians, Lucille said, “Always remember why you wanted to get into naturopathic medicine – that will continue to ground and anchor you in doing what is right. This is a pioneering field, but the rewards are amazing. We need people that are being called (to this profession).”

Currently, there are licensing laws for the practice of naturopathy in 15 states, our Nation’s capital (the District of Columbia); Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. To earn licensure, naturopathic doctors (N.D.) must complete four years of graduate-level naturopathic education. Fundamental instruction includes equivalent medical doctor sciences, with central studies on holistic and preventive therapies for the prevention of disease and optimal health. Additional coursework in this comprehensive curriculum includes education in acupuncture, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, counseling, homeopathy, and psychology.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about naturopathy or holistic nutrition, let professional training within fast-growing industries like chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore naturopathic medicine near you.

To learn more about Dr. Holly Lucille, her practice, or her book, please visit www.AllHealLucille.com or www.DrLucilleinfo.com

Sources:
HolisticJunction.com
AANP – American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Naturopathic Medicine Lessons for Living and Lifestyle
©Copyright 2008
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.