Naprapathy
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Naprapathy is a branch of medicine, (manual medicine) that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Doctors of Naprapathy are connective tissue specialists.
Naprapathic treatment consists of naprapathic manipulative techniques, adjunctive (additional) treatments, and nutritional counseling.
[edit] Availability
Napapathy was founded in the early 1900s by Dr. Oakley Smith who called his manual medical technique, naprapathy. It is an alternative to chiropractic which focuses on spine and subluxations. Naprapaths working with the spine emphasize the underlying ligaments.
The oldest and largest naprapathic school is the National College of Naprapathic Medicine, in Chicago. The NCNM offers a four-year program, a 3 year accelerated program, and a five-year program. Graduates receive a DN or Doctor of Naprapathy degree.
Naprapaths are insurance and cash based solo practitioners, utilizing their hands and modalities to manage neuromuscular or soft tissue related pain.
Naprapaths are licensed in Illinois and New Mexico, regulated in Ohio, and also practice in California, Florida and other states where freedom of access statutes permit naprapathic doctors to practice. Although the term Oakley Smith Method is trade marked, the word naprapathy may not be.
Massage therapists who want to practice naprapathy in California or Florida, or other states in which naprapathy is not regulated can complete an online DN program and begin practicing even before they graduate, but this program is not supported by mainstream naprapaths nor by NCNM.
Naprapaths who practice psychotherapy are eligible for membership in the Chicago Open Chapter for the Study of Psychoanalysis.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- American Naprapathic Association
- National College of Naprapathic Medicine (Chicago, USA)
- Naprapathic Information
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