I've seen some different posts from people saying they are a "Homeopath" or a "Naturopath". What is the difference? Are there other types of alternative or complementary medicine practitioners who have other titles that I don't even know about?
And, most importantly, what kind of training and experience do these professions need to have? (for example, I know "anyone" can call themselves a "Nutritionist", but there are very well-defined criteria, experience, training, licenses, credentials, etc. to be a "Registered Dietitian"). Is this the same for Homeopaths and Naturopaths? Is there a national, professional organization that oversees these providers?
Thanks!!
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Resource
Connie,
This does not answer your question about the differences between the two types of providers, but there was a recent post about CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) that might be of interest to you:
http://empowher.com/community/blog/reese...
There is a national organization that oversees CAM, through the NIH (National Institute of Health) called the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
http://nccam.nih.gov/
According to the NCCAM, what you are calling "traditional" medicine is referred to as "conventional" medicine on this website, and some conventional practitioners (M.D. or D.O) may also practice CAM. From what I read on this site, there are several governing organizations, but they differ from state-to-state.
Posted: Thu., June 19, 2008, 02:14 pm
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