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50 Years of Naturopathic History

Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Celebrate Golden Jubilee

By Julie Engebretson and Kathryn Feather

The longest-running annual convention in the history of naturopathic medicine, the Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Convention (NWNPC), celebrated its 50^th anniversary April 20-23, 2006, in Tacoma, Wash.

This year's event, dubbed The Golden Jubilee, took place at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. All in attendance, from physicians and students to the representatives of more than 85 exhibiting companies and organizations, took part in a celebration of the rich history and promising future of naturopathic medicine in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
In welcoming attendees to the conference, Convention Chair Karl Peterson, DCND, noted the historic roots of this conference. "The NW Convention manages to carry on with its nonpolitical tradition. When this all began in 1957, the modern-day naturopath was just a small group of doctors trying to survive; they wanted to obtain enough continuing education hours to practice for the next year and help the school [National] survive long enough so as not to jeopardize their own license," Dr. Peterson said.
Thursday the 20^th began with a brief history of naturopathic medicine and the NWNPC, followed by a session on water cure and constitutional hydrotherapy led by Letitia Watrous, ND. Dr. Watrous concluded her discussion with the release of 50 butterflies to inaugurate the 50^th NWNPC. The evening wrapped with a reception hosted by the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians on the top floor of the convention center, with views of Puget Sound and greater Tacoma. The evening was made especially memorable when Drs. Virginia Osborne (convention chair for 2007) and Karl Peterson presented a "50-Year Quilt" to NCNM President William Keppler, PhD, commemorating the college's upcoming 50^th anniversary.
Friday's program, themed "Hawaiian Daze," included lectures by Bill Mitchell, ND, and Gina Nick ND, PhD, among others. Dr. Mitchell discussed the compounding and use of botanical and nutritional medicinal materials in 10 cases. Dr. Nick, who was recently appointed president of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association, gave a lecture on recent advances in recognition and treatment of stress-related disorders. An evening reception, hosted by New World Natural Products, featured a lecture by Nita Bishop, ND, and Arnold Leonard, MD, PhD, on recent advances and research surrounding flavanoids.

The much-anticipated gala banquet at the nearby Museum of Glass was the feature event on Saturday evening. Approximately 300 doctors and their guests took part in a night of glass blowing, dancing and, of course, dining, late into the night. The following Sunday began early with a breakfast lecture by Naturopathy Digest Editor Alex Vasquez, DC, ND, on autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
G. R. Farnsworth, DCND, one of the founders of the NWNPC, said of this year's event, "I believe we have only started to tap the potential of this convention, as there are unlimited growth possibilities with its resultant rewards. This convention provides a unique opportunity to enhance regional strengths."
A brief look at the history of the NWNPC offers naturopathic doctors and students a better understanding of its significance and perhaps a greater appreciation of the strides made since its inception. The very first NWNPC would not have filled the first floor of the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center by any means. Held in Nanaimo, B.C., in 1956, Joe Boucher, Doug Kirkbride, and G.R. Farnsworth organized the conference, hosting approximately 70 doctors. Two days of educational seminars were followed by a day of business meetings among the existing organizations, with the final day devoted to discussions of legal, legislative and college goings on at the national, state and provincial levels.
From the very beginning, the NWNPC has provided a unique marriage of academic and social purposes. Academic knowledge and research are key components in the advancement of the naturopathic profession, but just as important are the unity and camaraderie established as attendees shake hands and share meals together.
The roots of the NWNPC run deep, but, as Dr. Farnsworth put it, "This convention is not an old-timers conference." Students and young doctors who attended this year's convention had the opportunity to meet with and hear from some of the profession's foremost authorities on the conditions and modalities that NDs see today. It is the hope of NWNPC organizers that the student bodies of naturopathic schools become more heavily involved with the event in the coming years.
As Seen at the Show
The NWNPC Golden Jubilee offered attendees the opportunity to learn about the latest products provided by a variety of vendors. More than 80 companies offered products and services at this year's event, including the following:

Focus Energetic System allowed attendees to schedule sessions to try out its foot bath machines. The Focus booth was continually booked with those wanting to know more about the line of products available. To learn more about Focus foot bath technology, experience a treatment or customize a health product plan for your practice or personal use, visit www.healternatives.com.
Rx Vitamins introduced its latest supplement offering, Liqui-D3. This dietary supplement provides users with 2,000 IU of cholecalciferol per drop. To learn more about Liqui-D3 and other Rx Vitamins products, visit the company Web site at www.rxvitamins.com.
Biotics Research NW unveiled several new products. To see a complete listing of its entire product line, visit www.bioticsnw.com.
Metabolic Maintenance Products introduced its customized vitamin/mineral formulas. Those wishing to obtain a profile for a customized line can contact the company at (800) 772-7873 or visit www.metabolicmaintenance.com.
Well-In-Hand Epic Herbal Care introduced its newest line, FungiFree, offering four steps to healthy-looking nails: preparing, penetrating, protecting and preventing common nail fungus. For more information about this new line or any of the Well-In-Hand products, contact the company at (888) 550-7774 or www.wellinhand.com.
Eclectic Water introduced its newest flavor of zero-calorie water. In addition to its apple, strawberry and banana offerings, Eclectic released a new cranberry-flavored water as well. For more information, contact the company at www.eclecticwater.com.
Kan Herb Company offered attendees a 20 percent discount on all proprietary products and 10 percent off all introductory kits. To request a complete catalogue, call (800) 543-5233 or visit www.kanherb.com.

Other vendors in attendance included Abrams Royal Pharmacy, American Specialty Health, Allergy Research Group, Alpha Health Systems, American Longevity, Ayush Herbs, Biogenesis Nutraceuticals, BioResource, BioSan Labs, Bio Wisdom, Canada RNA Biochemical, Canger Consulting Limited, Carlson Laboratories, Ceragem, College Pharmacy, Colonic Network, Doctors Data, Douglas Labs, European Nature Inc., Food Pharmacy, Gaia Herbs, Inc., Ginacor Inc., Herbal Vitality, Homeocan Inc., Integrative Therapeutics, International Health & Ed, Key Pharmacy, Kinesio USA, Levine Health Products, Jarrow Formulas Inc., Matrix Inc., McGuff Compounding Pharmacy, Mediral International, Merit Pharmaceutical, Metagenics Inc., Metametrix Clinical Laboratory, Mountain Peak Nutritionals, Natural Factors Nutritional Products, New World Natural Products, Nordic Naturals, Nutritional Fundamentals for Health, Nutri-West Pacific, Omnivite, Pegasus Pharmaceuticals Group, Pharmax LLC, Pleomorphic Sanum, Priority One, Pro-Art Source, Professional Complementary Health, Progressive Labs, Pure Water Systems, Salugenecists Inc., Sedona Labs Inc., Seroyal, Specialty Health Products, Standard Processes Inc., Subtle Energy, Tattva's Herbs, Terra Medica Inc., Thorne Research, TID Health, Torf Spa LLC, Townsend Letter, US Biotek Laboratories, Vital Nutrients, Vitazan Professional, Xymogen, Wellness Naturals, Werum Enterprises Inc., and Women's International Pharmacy.
To find out more information about the NWNPC and its 2007 conference, scheduled to be held in Portland, Ore., visit www.nwnpc.com.