The ‘right’ molecule for the body
Orthomolecular medicine is the restoration and maintenance of health through the administration of adequate amounts of substances that are normally present in the body.
Orthomolecular medicine is part of the foundation of integrative medicine.
The term ‘orthomolecular’ was coined by two-time Nobel Laureate, Linus Pauling, in his seminal article, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, published in the journal Science, April 19th, 1968. The combination of the Greek ‘ortho’ (meaning straight, correct, right) with ‘molecule’ created a term that means, literally, right molecule. As conceptualized by Pauling and established through the pioneering leadership of Abram Hoffer, orthomolecular medicine aims to restore the optimum environment of the body by correcting molecular imbalances, determined by a wide range of testing and physician experience, and based on individual biochemistry.
In its fifty-year history, orthomolecular medicine has grown substantially. Today, the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine numbers more than 25 orthomolecular medical societies and tens of thousands of orthomolecular practitioners worldwide.
A Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner is a therapist who has completed a set course of study in health and nutrition from an accredited school, and is registered with the IONC (International Organization of Nutritional Consultants). The designation RNCP/ROHP is governed by the IONC.
An ortho molecular health practitioner focuses on the whole person with the goal of restoring optimal health on all levels by introducing the ‘right’ molecules to the body through nutrition and supplementation where necessary.