About Us
I have entered through the door of Nature. Her light, and not the lamp of an apothecary's shop, has illuminated my way.”
~ Paracelsus
American School of Naturopathy
The American School of Naturopathy was first established by philosophy in 1896, and moved into a physical building in 1901. The school was established by Dr. Benedict Lust, who was a Homeopathic and Eclectic Medical Doctor (M.D.), Naturopathic Physician (N.D.), Drugless Osteopathic Physician (D.O.) and Chiropractic Physician (D.C.). Internationally Dr. Lust is considered the "Father of Naturopathy". The School was first chartered in the State of New York in 1905. In the 1940's the New York branch dropped the four-year naturopathic and chiropractic programs, and taught mainly naturopathic massage and bodywork. The famous Yungborn Sanitariums in Butler, New Jersey (Grace Valley) and Tangerine, Florida also served as educational venues for the school depending on the season. The school is dedicated to teaching practitioners the original methods and principles of Naturopathy (Nature Cure).
Today the American School of Naturopathy exists to educate students and allied healthcare professionals on the traditional naturopathic assessment tools and modalities. Naturopathy advocates believe that the body knows how to heal itself, which is termed innate vitalism. Courses include to the historic natural health sciences of Iridology (Iris Analysis), Sclerology (Sclera Analysis), Polarity Therapy (Magnetic Healing), Spectro-Chrome (Color Therapy), Hydrotherapy (Water Therapy) and Clinical Nutrition.
American Naturopathic Association
The American Naturopathic Association first began as the unincorporated Kneipp Water Cure Society. In 1919, Dr. Benedict Lust and other pioneering members of the Nature Cure, drugless healing movement incorporated the American Naturopathic Association as a national society promoting the education, regulation and certification of the healing art of Naturopathy. Dr. Benedict Lust served as the first president of the organization and in 1921 at the 25th Jubilee the members elected him as "Life President."
In 1942, a posse of members led by more medically minded naturopath Dr. Robert V. Carroll, Sr., attempted to overthrow the organization by civil lawsuit. The courts threw the lawsuits out and the few doctors who led the coup founded a "western ANA" later changed the name to ANA of Physicians and Surgeons. Eventual arson of the Tangerine, Florida Health Resort was long rumored to be in attempt to kill the founder, Dr. Lust who was staying there at the time.
After Dr. Benedict Lust died in 1945, Dr. Jesse Gehman was elected president of the original ANA. He served as president during the 50th year Golden Jubilee in 1947. Before, Dr. Lust died, he urged the two professions to work together and mend the health care field of Naturopathy. In 1951, the western, more medically minded Naturopaths (NMD's) founded the National Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NANP) and attempted to assimilate a few eastern, purists naturopaths (ND's) into their new association.
Philosophical differences has kept the two groups split to the present time. The National Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NANP) dissolved in 1978 due to bankruptcy. Members later reincorporated in 1985 as the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), representing medically minded, integrative doctors.
The American Naturopathic Association (ANA) still represents the orthodox nature cure, drugless methods and practitioners of Naturopathy as outlined by the pioneering founders of the naturopathic profession.
Philosophy established in 1896, preserved through the Dr. T. M. Schippell Naturopathic Foundation
The original naturopathic coursework of the American School of Naturopathy was preserved by the dedication and generosity of Dr. Teresa M. Schippell. Dr. Schippell established the Naturopathic Foundation in the summer of 1952 to promote naturopathy and preserve its heritage for future generations. Dr. Schippell was considered the "guardian of the naturopathic philosophy". She worked effortlessly at the national level until her death in 1962. Dr. Schippell served as the vice-president of the original American Naturopathic Association after the death of Dr. Benedict Lust in 1945. Dr. Schippell was instrumental in establishing federal recognition of naturopathy in the United States. Today, the American School of Naturopathy combines the original material and modalities of traditional naturopathy with clinical science acquired over the past one hundred years.
"Dr. Schippell was a lifelong District of Columbia resident and practitioner of Naturopathy. She was a guardian of the Naturopathic 'principle' within the profession. She was instrumental in protecting naturopathy from many divisive forces that would have rent it irretrievably. It is a story that virtually none know, but will eventually be told."
~Herald of Health in 1953
Dr. Joanmarie Vanaski
Adjunct Instructor
Joanmarie Vanaski, D.Hom, N.D., was a competitively trained athlete since the age of 9 years. Her passion and interest was both in dance and competitive swimming. After many years of training as an elite competitor she received a scholarship to swim at The Ohio State University where she won an Intercollegiate National Championship. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Dr. Vanaski has been a successful wellness coach and educator for over 25 years. She specializes in custom energetic formulations to balance pain management, internal emotional stressors, mental focus, as well as implementing organotherapy and specialized nutrition programs. She is a Naturopathic Doctor, graduate of the American School of Naturopathy, and board-certified by the National Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NBNE). As a Traditional Naturopath, her mission is to educate, inform and give assistance to those who are committed to their own wellbeing.
