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FOUNDATIONS OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
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traditional medical healing systems throughout the world have preceded us.
The history of medicine tends to emphasize classical physicians and the learned few, with an emphasis on Europe and North America. However, naturopathy grows from roots deep and wide; the history of this medicine arises from many sources, including and beyond physicians and European classical lineages. This Timeline displays a broad tapestry of ancestral roots, people, institutions and unique events that have shaped the historical trajectory of naturopathic medicine, giving rise to the modern naturopathic medical profession. Still, as we define the focus of this timeline, we limit its scope.
Health and medicine are experienced and shaped by a full ecosystem of cultural influences, not just by doctors of any singular tradition. Here, we offer honor and respect for those many who aren’t awarded their own listing in this timeline. In this humble gesture of respect we acknowledge not only the nameless family doctor, but more fundamentally those of the mythic and historic lineages, practitioners from indigenous and animistic medical systems, from recognized traditional world cultures and communities of practice; ancient healing temples; practitioners embodying diverse genders, orientations, racial and ethnic origins and spiritual traditions; and itinerants and elders from recognized and unknown communities of practice.
Before history and medicines’ written traditions, these professional and nonprofessional caregivers evolved numerous deep lineages feeding into our profession, its principles and practices, and its values and approach to the therapeutic relationship. Traditional world medical systems have their own lineages, philosophies, practices, and ways of knowing that influence us today. We express our respect for, and gratitude to these systems and to the many unnamed midwives, medicine people, spirit workers, clergy, herbalists, cunning folk, bonesetters, nurses, curanderos, vegetalistas, and other health care providers stemming from the rich diversity of unwritten oral, animistic, folk, empiric, classical, vitalistic, natural, and holistic traditions.
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Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Project and Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Institute. All Rights Reserved.
Naturopathic Medicine HISTORY AND PROFESSIONAL FORMATION TIMELINE
