The Gathering 2012 at NUHS

Abstract: Paul Bergner has run a school and teaching clinic for herbalist-nutritionists since 1996. The curriculum and practice are based on Vitalism, Nature Cure, the science of Pathophysiology, and the perennial Principles of Medicine. All cases in the clinic are evaluated by multi-faculty and student collaborative case review, and from more than 3000 such detailed cases, and the personal and clinical experiences of more than 250 students in the 2-year program, the principles of vitalism have repeatedly been demonstrated and re-proven. Paul will talk about the basic regimens of vitalist medicine, and how herbal medicine can be used in support of an overall vitalist program, with example cases.

Keynote – Letitia Dick-Kronenberg

"Evidence Based Naturopathy and the Therapeutic Order: Our History, From Me to You"

Abstract: Evidence based medicine in the truest form comes from the clinical outcomes of patient care. Naturopaths are the experts in supporting the Vis and healing the ills of mankind. I will present cases of healing using the therapeutic order and Classical Naturopathic modalities. This system of supporting the Vis in healing has been preserved from Lindlahr to Carroll to Dick and myself. It is here for you to learn and take forward. I challenge our Naturopathic Medical Universities to continue to teach Classical Naturopathy and bring this evidence based natural science forward for future generations.

Breakout session – John Dye

"Duality and Illness: Exploring the Up-and-Down Side of the Vis"

Abstract: This breakout session will explore the use of a mind-body interview, and a process Dr. Dye calls Bio-Linguistic Kinesiology, to identify the 'downward spirals' of energy that can lead to loss of health and energy. The process of directly observing the loss associated with positive and negative dualities in consciousness, provides the neutral witness with keys to energetic healing.

Breakout session – Louise Edwards

“The Vis and Capacities of Consciousness"

Abstract: Dr. Edwards will discuss the capacities of human consciousness as demonstrated by research and the correlation with the Vis Medicatrix Naturae and the processes of disease and healing.

Breakout session #1 – Paul Epstein

“Transforming Stress, Pain and Illness into a Journey of Self Healing and Awakening / The Liberating Experience of Facing Painful Truth”

Abstract: Dis-ease tells a story, not just about our cells and a diagnosis, but about our selves and our lives. Telling, listening to and re-membering this story, we are led to the truth of what happened to us and the emotions that lie at the core of our authentic being. We'll discuss how biography becomes biology, the body bears the burden, homeopathy without the remedy, living questions and listening within to discover the message, meaning and opportunity of illness. We'll explore how healing happens as we unburden and release the wounds we carry, and discover the clinical relevance of "...it is the truth which liberates, not your effort to be free"

Breakout session #2 – Paul Epstein

“The Healing Power of Unconditional Presence: Cultivating Healing Qualities of Being,

Who we are is as important as what we know, How we be is as important as what we do”

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s there are few…”

~ DT Suziki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind

Abstract: A practical and experiential workshop on mindfulness meditation and compassion practice as therapeutic tools in the healing relationship. Explore the importance of developing the healer within you. Enhance your capacity to create a healing environment for your clients through the presence and awareness you bring to the therapeutic relationship. We'll explore working with pain and difficult emotions with mercy and awareness, and the live the question, How can I be with my pain and my truth in a way that is wise, compassionate and healing? In the heart of the pain is the healing.

Breakout session – Jim Farquharson

“Vis- Disease & Recovery”

Abstract:Vis Medicatrix Naturae-the fundamental, universal healing principle in mankind. A study of the negative forces that diminish the 'Vis', a result of which is disease, and a clinical review of how to identify and reverse the impact of these negative forces.

Breakout session – Anthony Godfrey

“Conscious Co-Operation with the Vis Medicatrix Naturae”

Outline:

What are the qualities of the Vis?

· A power

· A power in Nature

· A universal power

· A positive power

· An exemplar and teacher

How do we access the Vis?

· An inner faculty which recognizes the Vis

How does the Vis Medicatrix Naturae contribute to healing?

· The nature of healing

· Templates of health

· Health and healing as natural states

Conscious co-operation with the Vis:

· Co-operation

· Conscious recognition of obstacles to cure

· Transcending obstacles to cure

Invoking the Healing Power of Nature within ourselves

Breakout session – Verna Hunt

“The value of good questions in Naturopathic Medicine to help our Earth and Her inhabitants to heal individually and collectively using the healing power of nature”

Abstract: Insightful questions evoke valuable answers. Approaching long term or urgent problems and challenges from viewpoints that reveal the way to useful and practical solutions and answers is an integral part of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Hunt will discuss her experience in Naturopathic Medicine of over three decades about how thoughtful questions reveal solutions to move health issues forward using the healing power of nature.

Breakout session – Joseph Kellerstein

“Stalking the Wild Symptom”

Abstract: The unusual homeopathic symptoms are fascinating but they never seem to match the reality of the patient interview. This roadblock can frustrate the practitioner into finding alternative non-homeopathic methods in the vain search for a remedy.

One possible solution is improving question technique. In this presentation some short cases and stories illustrate some simple case taking skills.

Breakout session – Larry Nusbaum

“Physician Heal Thyself: The Power of Self-Care in Health Care”

Abstract: Ghandi said: “Be the change you want to see in the world”. As health practitioners and students, it is often difficult to balance the care of ourselves with the care of others. In this experiential session we will reflect on this challenge, and you will experience a fun, practical, and creative exercise designed to improve the care you give to yourself as a foundation for the care you give to others. You will be able to use this exercise on your own and with others. Come and enjoy this opportunity to be good to yourself!

Breakout session – Jacob Schor

“Knowledge versus Belief?”

Abstract: Our profession’s utilization of the Vis Medicatrix Naturae often can come across as a belief system rather than theory or knowledge. Thus we may sound more like a cult than a medical profession. What do we know versus what do we believe? Is there a way to differentiate between them? How much of what we do is real, how much delusion?

The various schools of medical practice from prior eras differed greatly in their view of how physicians should work with the Vis. The terms used to describe these schools of practice are still relevant to describe the variances in our profession today. Understanding the rationales used historically may inform what we do today.

Breakout session – James Sensening

“Diversity in the Practice of Homeopathy”

Abstract: Homeopathy is, arguably, the most potent and phenomenal aspect of naturopathic practice. Sadly, many naturopathic medical students and doctors do not use homeopathy because they find it daunting, confusing and time consuming. In this presentation we will discuss the many ways in which remedies can be used in clinical practice. Dr. Sensenig, who is not an expert in homeopathy, but a naturopathic physician who uses it extensively in clinical practice will demystify this phenomenal science and make it accessible in a light-hearted and fun-filled way.

Some of the topics or questions to be discussed are:

What exactly is homeopathy?

Why therapeutic intervention? Goals of intervention

What is cure? Is it possible?

Why the same disease?

Law of Compensation

What is a sick man?

Response of the Vital Force.

Choosing the right remedy. Which one? Potency? Dosing?

Is it possible to find the simillimum? How similar is similar?

Laws of Cure

Is there such a thing as a homeopathic remedy?

“Classical” homeopathy compared and contrasted to other clinical applications

Breakout session – Pamela Snider

“Exploring the Healing Power of Nature. What is the Vis Medicatrix Naturae (VMN)? A Talking and Listening Circle”

Abstract: Join a talking and listening circle to explore the Vis Medicatrix Naturae; we will share lively dialogue, personal reflection, clinical experience, scientific, philosophical and spiritual inquiry, and allow the circle to bring us along, in the tradition of nature doctors and naturopathic physicians in conferences, clinics and classrooms, meadows and hot springs, exploring the bedrock concept which is at the heart of naturopathic medicine. The session will begin with a brief discussion by Dr. Snider, followed by an open dialogue facilitated by her. Students are invited to consider, explore or address the questions below, among others, and to explore and discuss their diverse perspectives, experience, learning and understanding.

Breakout session - Pamela Snider and Jared Zeff

"Emunctorology - an old clinical science brought to a new generation of Naturopathic physicians"

Abstract: A symposium of 50 international and intergenerational naturopathic scholars met in 2007 in Skamania, Washington to organize their ideas for a foundational textbook in naturopathic medicine. One of the outcomes of this meeting was the recognition that the study and understanding of the emunctories in clinical medicine - emunctorology -had diminished as a study in naturopathic education. To correct this, a working group of scholars was established to develop an educational module on emunctorology, which has now been completed and made available to our North American and Australian naturopathic colleges. As a part of this process, a chapter was written on the subject for the emerging Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine textbook.

Because of this foundational work, Emunctorology, a forgotten cornerstone of traditional naturopathic thinking and a concept in early medicine has reemerged as a focus of naturopathic scholarship, philosophy, scientific exploration, and clinical education. This science focuses on studying the organs of elimination (the emunctories), their functions, and their role in maintaining health and reversing disease. Emunctorology also includes an understanding of drainage, depuration, elimination, and detoxification, and their application in the complex and orderly process of healing.

During this discussion at the Gathering, naturopathic philosophy and history will be merged with basic and clinical science to explore the development of an old body of knowledge brought to a new generation of naturopathic physicians. Dr’s Zeff and Snider will discuss the study of the organs of elimination (emunctories) as a complex system and their application in clinical cases. The history and philosophy of drainage theory and elimination, and its scientific basis will be presented, illustrated with clinical cases. A range of current naturopathic modalities including nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, counseling and physical medicine are applied to working with the emunctories. The panelists will discuss how emunctorology has specific relevance to effective clinical practice.

Keynote - Pamela Snider

"The Diversity of the Vis Medicatrix Naturae: The Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Project"

Abstract: How does the naturopathic physician work with nature to restore health ? In the vitalist tradition the naturopathic physician works with the Vis Medicatrix Naturae in its effort to restore balance, not against it by treating or suppressing the adaptations or symptoms generated by the attempt by the body to restore itself. The Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine (FNM): The Healing Power of Nature textbook (in development) takes this fundamental question, lays out the historic and theoretical basis of our medicine and examines it in some detail. Dr. Snider will introduce you to the FNM - an international textbook project codifying the philosophical foundations of naturopathic medicine and its applications. A major focus of the FNM is to develop greater clarity in our expression and understanding of the Vis Medicatrix Naturae.

Dr. William Mitchell, co-founder of Bastyr University, beloved teacher, physician, friend and Foundations Editor submitted his chapter, The Vis: Part 1 and 2 to FNM in December 2006, three weeks before he died. Along with his submission, Dr. Mitchell made a request. He asked that his ideas be explored by colleagues, students and other thinkers, immediately. His provocative and original thesis has been shared by FNM with a distinguished group of thought leaders resulting in a dynamic series of chapters “ A Dialogue with Dr. Mitchell on the Vis as an Equation.” Dr. Mitchell often shared his view that “the full flower of naturopathic medicine has yet to bloom.” Dr. Snider will honor Dr. Mitchell’s wish, sharing insights from the dialogue emerging in the textbook. The profession is bringing this paradigm shifting concept into fuller expression through Dr Mitchell, and the work of many other naturopathic authors. The textbook will publish a synthesis of the diversity and coherence of the work today, and it’s scientific, clinical and public policy implications; in the spirit of supporting our colleges, teachers and students as we all work to bring the fullness and potential our medicine into bloom.

The dialogue on the Vis Medicatrix Naturae has occurred for thousands of years throughout the history of medicine and world healing traditions. This concept at the heart of naturopathic medicine is our inheritance. We will celebrate the diversity and unity of the Vis Medicatrix Naturae as our work, our strength, and our legacy in creating a healthy world.

Breakout session – Christopher Sowton

“How Do We Communicate With Our Inner Healer?”

Abstract: One of the ways to conceptualize the Vis is to think of it as an Inner Healer, an aspect of our own psyche that is largely unconscious, but possesses wisdom and attempts to guide us towards health, wholeness, and self-realization. If we accept this premise then it becomes very important to consider—how do we communicate with our Inner Healer? How does it communicate with us? Throughout human history people have used many methods to get in touch with their own inner wisdom—meditation, prayer, visualization, journaling, art therapy, hypnosis, psychotherapy—to name a few. I would argue that one of the most direct and dynamic ways is simply to follow one’s dreams, to remember them, record them, ponder the messages they contain, and most importantly, to consider what it is they want from us. In this presentation Dr. Sowton will discuss his twenty years experience working with his patient’s dreams and how dreamwork can be developed as a modality within naturopathic practice.

Breakout session – Don Warren

“The recent history of naturopathic medical education as a metaphor for understanding the unity . . . and the diversity of expression of the Vis.”

Abstract: Using his experience of the last thirty years, Dr. Warren will relate in a "story telling" fashion, how the recent history of naturopathic medical education can be used as a metaphor for understanding the Vis, both its underlying unifying force and its diversity of expression.

Breakout session – Jared Zeff

“The Diversity of the Vis“

Abstract: What is the correct way, the approved naturopathic way, to treat, say, hypothyroidism, or, say, Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder, or, say, MRSA Osteomyelitis?

There is not one way, one approved way, or one “standard of care” way to treat any of these, or any other illness in naturopathic medicine. The naturopathic physician, trained in multiple therapeutic systems in addition to the standard medical knowledge base, can develop various treatment protocols, depending upon the individual needs and preferences of the patient. This is the diversity of the “Vis”. The basis of this diversity is the underlying philosophy of naturopathic medicine, which is based upon observation of how the body heals rather than upon the specific treatment of specific disease pathology.

This philosophy has been articulated in the 21st century in terms of a three specific concepts:

Understanding illness as process rather than as specific pathologic entities;

Understanding the determinants of health and their evaluation;

And understanding the natural order or hierarchy of therapeutic intervention.

Armed with this understanding, the naturopathic physician can treat any patient, regardless of diagnosis, or lack of diagnosis, effectively.

Let us explore the basis of this diversity and its clinical application.

The Gathering 2012 at NUHS

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