A Chat with Suman Chaudhuri, D.C., N.D.

With Avanti Vadivelu

 
Q. With shows like “Private Practice”, natural healing has become popularized.  What exactly is naturopathic medicine?

A. Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a system of healing utilizing a variety of natural modalities which rely on the healing power of nature to promote health and balance. The most common modalities utilized are botanical (herbal) medicine, clinical nutrition (vitamin/mineral supplementation), acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine), homeopathy, and spinal manipulations (similar to chiropractic). Naturopaths may specialize in one or a few modalities or use a blend of many of them. Diet, nutrition, and lifestyle are usually also addressed.

For your knowledge…according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, naturopathic medicine offers safe, effective natural therapies as a vital part of the health care systems in North America. 

Q. What is the general philosophy behind naturopathic medicine?

A. Naturopaths tend to have a 'whatever it takes' attitude towards treatment and are considered primary care physicians in the states that allow licensure.  The primary goal of chiropractic and naturopathy is to treat the whole person who has symptoms by strengthening the body and removing any interferences to health so that the body/mind can heal naturally.  The result or 'cure' may not be so quick but if successful will tend to promote long term health and personal empowerment.

 
For your knowledge… Licensed naturopathic physicians must fulfill state-mandated continuing education requirements annually, and will have a specific scope of practice defined by their state's law. The states that currently have licensing laws for naturopathic physicians are:

Alaska

Arizona

California

Connecticut

District of Columbia

Hawaii

Idaho

Kansas

Maine

Montana

New Hampshire

Oregon

Utah

Vermont

Washington

US Territories: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. 

Q. Besides obtaining an undergraduate education, what other training is required to become a naturopathic physician?  

A. For naturopathy one must attend a 4 year program of study in which the first 2 years are basically identical to normal medical school.  Then, the following two years the main focus is on the gaining proficiency in the various modalities utilized most commonly by naturopaths such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture, which also includes clinical training.

For your knowledge… The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) was established in Febrary 2001.  So far there are six member colleges across the United States and Canada.

Q.  What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the field of naturopathic medicine today?

A. Similar to my feelings regarding chiropractic medicine (see previous week’s interview), I would like to see complete legal and insurance coverage for naturopathic medicine. Currently naturopathy is only licensed in about 12 states with no insurance coverage in those states. It would also be great to see hospital privileges to naturopaths which would of course mean more understanding and acceptance of the use and potential of naturopathic medicine.

Q. If someone wants to find a doctor of chiropractic, how should they do so? 

A. The best resource is one's state naturopathic association, which will have a directory of all licensed chiropractors in the state. 

For your knowledge… the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians has a searchable database available on their website to find an N.D. in your area:

http://www.naturopathic.org/findannd.php

Q. Please tell us a little more about your background.

A. I studied biomedical engineering and was also pre-med in undergrad with my initial focus being traditional medical school mainly due to parental/social influence. I became interested in alternative and natural medicine near the end of undergrad and became convinced of my path after assisting a chiropractor after graduation for several months. I enrolled at Logan College of Chiropractic Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from there in 1999 I studied at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona until 2003. I then moved back to Nashville, Tennessee and worked as an associate doctor to various doctors over the course of 2 years. I then opened my own practice in 2005 which blends chiropractic and certain elements of naturopathy such as homeopathy and botanical medicine. 

Q. How can one get in contact with you for more information on chiropractic medicine or for treatment?

A. Contact info:
Karuna Center for Natural Healthcare
2933B Berry Hill Drive
Nashville, TN  37204
615-500-4679
www.karunacenter.com
drsumanc@karunacenter.com