NATUROPATHY
What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF NATUROPATHY
Naturopathy is a healing system that relies on the application of natural therapeutics in place of drugs and/or major surgery. Practitioners of naturopathy believe that the body has the innate power to heal and repair itself, and that treatment should focus on enhancing and stimulating this process.
What is it used for?
CONDITIONS NATUROPATHIC REMEDIES MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
Naturopathic doctors are able to treat a number of chronic and acute conditions. Therefore, the scope of naturopathy's treatable conditions is very broad. It includes, but is not limited to:
• Asthma
• Heart disease and diabetes
• Menstrual disorders and other women's conditions
• Allergies
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Digestive complaints
• Various illnesses such as cold and flu
• Infections
• Weight management
• Skin conditions
• Cancer
• Depression, anxiety and stress
• Migraines
Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF NATUROPATHY
The roots of naturopathy can be traced back to ancient Greece, and many view the famous healer Hippocrates as the first practitioner of naturopathy. However, the modern practice of naturopathy has its roots in Europe, as in the 1880s Scottish physician Thomas Allinson practiced what he termed “Hygienic Medicine”, which supported a healthy diet and exercise and shunned the use of tobacco and excess work.
The term naturopathy was first developed in the late 1800s by John Scheel, and was later bought by Benedict Lust, a German practitioner. Lust had been educated in various health treatments in Germany and later immigrated to the United States. Lust believed that naturopathy could be conceived of as a discipline that included a variety of health promoting practices, and in 1901 he started the American School of Naturopathy in New York. One year later he founded the Naturopathic Society of America, which is now known as the American Naturopathic Association (ANA).
The early 1900s saw great interest from the public in naturopathic medicine. Conventions promoting the naturopathic movement were held all over the country, and were well attended by both professionals and the public. There were numerous naturopathic medical schools, physicians, and patients receiving naturopathic treatment. However, around the time the second World War ended, this interest began to wane, as naturopathy began to be supplanted by scientific advances made in the medical field.
Naturopathy experienced a resurgence in the 1970s. The cost and limitations of what had become the traditional medical system in America spurred individuals to seek out new alternatives in the battle for health. The emergence of Bastyr University, the nation's first accredited naturopathic university, also helped to revitalize the practice of naturopathy. Thus, an entirely new generation of people began to be exposed to the idea of naturopathic healing.
What is it based on?
THEORY OF NATUROPATHY
Naturopathic doctors believe that most ailments are caused by a buildup of toxins that block the body's natural inclination is to heal itself. By removing the blockages that hinder the body's organic healing processes, the body will begin to mend. Naturopaths free the pathways through treatments such as nutrition, physical medicine, homeopathy, herbs, et al.
Naturopathy works to remove the root of the complaint by carefully identifying the cause of the illness. Once this cause is identified, it can be treated. Naturopathic practitioners generally prescribe healing substances or use lower risk treatments such as herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. They do not attempt to eliminate symptoms, which they believe are the body’s attempt to cure itself. Naturopathic practitioners work to build an individualized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the patient’s health, and teach patients how to live and care for themselves healthfully.
How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF NATUROPATHY IS LIKE
One of the hallmarks of a session with a naturopathic practitioner is that substantial time will be taken with the patient. A first visit may take one hour or more, whereas follow-up visits may be somewhat shorter. The practitioner will take a detailed history including current health habits, perform a thorough examination, and discuss the presenting problem. Diagnostic tests may also be undertaken. The practitioner frequently will take time to educate the patient on healthful living and ways to prevent illnesses.
Who does it?
NATUROPATHIC PRACTITIONERS
Two main segments of practitioners currently provide naturopathic treatments in the United States. A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is able to attain licensure by almost twenty states, the District of Columbia, and five provinces in Canada by completing a specific program consisting of training, practice, and examinations certified by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). NDs are trained to utilize basic medical diagnostic tests such as blood tests and medical imaging, and may be utilized as primary care practitioners. In states without formal naturopathic licensure, the title Doctor of Naturopathy is not legally protected and can be used by anyone, even those without formal education and training.
Traditional naturopaths comprise the other group of practitioners and generally utilize similar concepts and treatments to heal, however, they are not primary care practitioners. Educational backgrounds for traditional naturopaths can widely vary.