title: Integrating naturopathy: can we move forward?
abstract: Although acupuncture and chiropractic care have achieved some measure of acceptance within mainstream medicine, the integrative role for naturopathy has yet to be well specified. This essay provides a discussion of the potential benefits of naturopathic medicine, as well as an overview of current obstacles to its integration. Action steps toward improving communication between allopathic and naturopathic physicians are suggested.
authors.affiliation: Physician Lead for Integrative Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Northwest; an Affiliate Investigator at the Center for Health Research in Portland, OR; and an Associate Editor of The Permanente Journal. charles.elder@kpchr.org.
authors.forename: Charles R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Elder
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009324:Naturopathy