This concept has long been at the core of indigenous medicine in many cultures around the world and remains one of the central themes of naturopathic philosophy to this day.
Naturopathic physicians look deeper to find the cause of the body's imbalance.
They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. Naturopathic physicians have complete diagnostic rights and complete prescriptive rights for all natural medicines and prescription rights for specific legend drugs. Naturopathic physicians can also perform office surgery and vaccinations, have the authority to direct RNs, and are approved by the public health office to issue birth and death certificates. To become admitted to Bastyr's naturopathic medicine degree program, students must have a pre-med education. The requirements are quite stringent and admission to the program is competitive.