CNM - The Natural Way to Better Health
At a time where an increasing number of people are becoming more and more disenchanted with western medicine and in a country where it’s predicted that by the year 2010, one in three* adults will be clinically obese due to heavy lifestyles, processed diet and poor nutrition, we asked Hermann Keppler, Principal of the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) about the college and his opinions on the state of the British public’s current health and wellbeing.
Hermann Keppler moved to England from Germany during the mid-nineties where he had been practicing as a Naturopath and Homeopath for many years. In 1998 he opened his first CNM College in London and a year later went on to branch out in Ireland by opening up a site in Dublin. The CNM now boasts 12 colleges across the UK and Ireland and is well respected throughout the world.
Hermann, what were your reasons for introducing the CNM into the UK and Ireland?
When I moved to England I understood that Naturopathy was almost unknown here whereas in Europe, Australia and America, Naturopathy is the number one natural therapy. I felt and still believe that the more people trained in Naturopathy, the fewer drugs will be prescribed and the healthier a nation can get. We set in all our trainings a good basic in biomedicine so that graduates understand the difficult situations of a patient and know when to refer them to GP’s for more orthodox investigation if necessary.
What principles does the CNM offer in its training?
In the CNM Naturopathy training, before a student specialises in Homeopathy, Acupuncture or Herbal Medicine, he or she studies other therapies and diagnostics such as nutrition, detoxification, iridology, clinical diagnosis, tissue salts and Bach flowers. This makes a CNM trained practitioner unique as he or she can employ more than one therapy in practice. The CNM’s Naturopathic Nutrition training is based on using food as medicine - only organic, energetic food is able to provide nutrients for the body, and students learn the importance of detoxification and cleansing - only a clean and well functioning body can utilise food to an optimum. We believe that each person is different to the next and recognise therefore the different foods and methods. Energetic principles for Chinese and ayurvedic medicine are employed to understand the various constitutions.
Why do you think that complementary therapies are becoming more and more popular over here?
According to the latest surveys, more than 80% of the population prefers complementary therapies. Unfortunately at the moment the government does not comply with this demand and the vast majority of medical doctors are not particularly trained in natural therapies. Also, many patients do not realise that drugs are not an answer to treat the cause of disease successfully. As we know, most drugs too have terrible side effects.
What are your views on orthodox medicine?
Orthodox medicine treats symptoms of the disease, not the person, and is therefore not successful in treating the cause. For example, problems of the skin are referred to as a skin disease; headaches are considered to be a problem of the head, when in actual fact the skin complaint or headache is actually a symptom of something underlying within the patient and this is what needs to be treated in order for that person to obtain optimum health.
What does the CNM look for in a student?
In the UK the entrance requirements are two A-Levels, five GCSE’s or the equivalent academic or work experience. In Ireland, entrance requirements are a Junior or Leaving Certificate. However, the most important thing is the motivation needed to commit to these courses and the students willingness to learn.
How long does the training take and is it expensive?
The Naturopathic training can be done in 3-5 years, depending on how many courses one takes at the time. Naturopathic Nutrition is 3 years and we are currently running daytime, weekend and evening classes.
Are the courses recognised?
All CNM courses are recognised by the leading associations in the UK, Ireland and some countries abroad.
What do most CNM graduates go on to do after study?
Most CNM graduates go on to start their own clinic part-time at their home or in an existing clinic, with many setting up businesses with fellow graduates that they have met during their studies. Some end up in the retail industry as sales representatives for vitamin companies etc., nutritional sports advisors and others opt to take up post-graduate study and continue their qualification at degree level.
What does the CNM offer over its competitors?
Apart from its more intensive approach to Naturopathic training, the CNM also offers continued additional further trainings, seminars, open days and events. CNM Graduates often stay in touch for years after finishing their training and there are many opportunities for them to meet on a regular basis. With colleges now based in 12 locations across the UK and Ireland and with diploma courses available in Naturopathy, Naturopathic Nutrition, Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Herbal medicine, the CNM is one of the largest and well respected training providers of its kind.
*source: Sunday Independent 20.08.06.
At a time where an increasing number of people are becoming more and more disenchanted with western medicine and in a country where it’s predicted that by the year 2010, one in three* adults will be clinically obese due to heavy lifestyles, processed diet and poor nutrition, we asked Hermann Keppler, Principal of the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) about the college and his opinions on the state of the British public’s current health and wellbeing.
Hermann Keppler moved to England from Germany during the mid-nineties where he had been practicing as a Naturopath and Homeopath for many years. In 1998 he opened his first CNM College in London and a year later went on to branch out in Ireland by opening up a site in Dublin. The CNM now boasts 12 colleges across the UK and Ireland and is well respected throughout the world.
Hermann, what were your reasons for introducing the CNM into the UK and Ireland?
When I moved to England I understood that Naturopathy was almost unknown here whereas in Europe, Australia and America, Naturopathy is the number one natural therapy. I felt and still believe that the more people trained in Naturopathy, the fewer drugs will be prescribed and the healthier a nation can get. We set in all our trainings a good basic in biomedicine so that graduates understand the difficult situations of a patient and know when to refer them to GP’s for more orthodox investigation if necessary.
What principles does the CNM offer in its training?
In the CNM Naturopathy training, before a student specialises in Homeopathy, Acupuncture or Herbal Medicine, he or she studies other therapies and diagnostics such as nutrition, detoxification, iridology, clinical diagnosis, tissue salts and Bach flowers. This makes a CNM trained practitioner unique as he or she can employ more than one therapy in practice. The CNM’s Naturopathic Nutrition training is based on using food as medicine - only organic, energetic food is able to provide nutrients for the body, and students learn the importance of detoxification and cleansing - only a clean and well functioning body can utilise food to an optimum. We believe that each person is different to the next and recognise therefore the different foods and methods. Energetic principles for Chinese and ayurvedic medicine are employed to understand the various constitutions.
Why do you think that complementary therapies are becoming more and more popular over here?
According to the latest surveys, more than 80% of the population prefers complementary therapies. Unfortunately at the moment the government does not comply with this demand and the vast majority of medical doctors are not particularly trained in natural therapies. Also, many patients do not realise that drugs are not an answer to treat the cause of disease successfully. As we know, most drugs too have terrible side effects.
What are your views on orthodox medicine?
Orthodox medicine treats symptoms of the disease, not the person, and is therefore not successful in treating the cause. For example, problems of the skin are referred to as a skin disease; headaches are considered to be a problem of the head, when in actual fact the skin complaint or headache is actually a symptom of something underlying within the patient and this is what needs to be treated in order for that person to obtain optimum health.
What does the CNM look for in a student?
In the UK the entrance requirements are two A-Levels, five GCSE’s or the equivalent academic or work experience. In Ireland, entrance requirements are a Junior or Leaving Certificate. However, the most important thing is the motivation needed to commit to these courses and the students willingness to learn.
How long does the training take and is it expensive?
The Naturopathic training can be done in 3-5 years, depending on how many courses one takes at the time. Naturopathic Nutrition is 3 years and we are currently running daytime, weekend and evening classes.
Are the courses recognised?
All CNM courses are recognised by the leading associations in the UK, Ireland and some countries abroad.
What do most CNM graduates go on to do after study?
Most CNM graduates go on to start their own clinic part-time at their home or in an existing clinic, with many setting up businesses with fellow graduates that they have met during their studies. Some end up in the retail industry as sales representatives for vitamin companies etc., nutritional sports advisors and others opt to take up post-graduate study and continue their qualification at degree level.
What does the CNM offer over its competitors?
Apart from its more intensive approach to Naturopathic training, the CNM also offers continued additional further trainings, seminars, open days and events. CNM Graduates often stay in touch for years after finishing their training and there are many opportunities for them to meet on a regular basis. With colleges now based in 12 locations across the UK and Ireland and with diploma courses available in Naturopathy, Naturopathic Nutrition, Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Herbal medicine, the CNM is one of the largest and well respected training providers of its kind.
*source: Sunday Independent 20.08.06.
Interview
published: 3.9.2006
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Herman Keppler
Principal of the College of Naturopathic Medicine
Principal of the College of Naturopathic Medicine
