Overview/History
The goal of naturopathy is to treat illness, prevent diseases and improve a patient's overall health by working with nature. Naturopathic physicians believe in the body's ability to repair and restore itself. Naturopathic medicine uses exercise, organic foods and treatments from other complementary medicine, including herbal therapies, Ayurveda and homeopathy, to support the body's ability to remain healthy.
Naturopathy began in the United States in the late 1800s. However, it originated in Germany with the Natural Cure Movement. The word naturopathy is derived from Latin and Greek; it translates to "nature disease." The United States saw a growth in naturopathic medicine in the 1970s along with the holistic health movement. Today, naturopathy is most commonly practiced in the United States and Canada, with some European countries still practicing including Germany, Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand.
Basics
Naturopathy is based on six key principles, similar to the ones used by conventional physicians. The first principle is to do no harm. This requires that practitioners avoid harmful side effects. The second principle is the physician as teacher. Naturopathic practitioners must educate and encourage patients to take ownership of their own health. The third principle is to treat the whole person. When creating a treatment plan, practitioners must consider mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, genetic, social and environmental factors. The fourth principle is prevention. This goal of this principle is to use appropriate interventions to avoid illness. The fifth principle is the healing power of nature. Naturopathic practitioners work to remove any obstacles that may be in the way of the body's natural ability to repair itself. The final principle is to treat the cause. This principle suggests that practitioners identify and treat the condition, illness or disease rather than treating the symptoms.
After a diagnosis has been made, naturopathic treatments can include a variety of options. For example, a practitioner may offer nutrition counseling, which includes the use of supplements, minerals, vitamins and dietary changes. Other treatment options include herbal medicines, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, massage, exercise and lifestyle counseling. Additionally, some naturopathic practitioners work with conventional medical doctors to create a treatment plan.
Naturopathy has divided into two types of naturopathic practitioners: traditional naturopaths and naturopathic physicians. Traditional naturopaths have not graduated from an accredited medical college and have not earned a license. Many traditional naturopathic consultants have received some training and are certified through the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board. Traditional naturopaths do not use x-rays, injections or prescription drugs, and they do not perform surgery. On the other hand, naturopathic physicians have a medical degree from an accredited institution. They often work to integrate naturopathic practices into their conventional treatments. Their range of practice depends on the state they are working in. Some naturopathic physicians assist with childbirth, prescribe drugs, practice acupuncture and perform surgery.
Considerations/uses
Many people use naturopathic medicine for routine care. Naturopaths are often considered effective in treating allergies, earaches, cold and flu. In addition to treating illnesses, some people see a naturopath to improve overall well being. Other people see a naturopath along with their conventional physician for complementary care.
There have been limited studies on the effectiveness of naturopathy. However, these studies have shown success with treating lower back pain with naturopathic remedies. Other studies have shown that the quality of life was greatly improved in patients with multiple sclerosis after being treated with naturopathic remedies.
When choosing naturopathy, it is important to consider the practitioner's qualifications since not all states have licensing requirements. Additionally, naturopathy cannot be a complete replacement for conventional medical care. In fact, some naturopathic beliefs can actually be harmful. Conventional medicine has shown the benefits of childhood vaccinations, but most naturopathic practitioners will not administer vaccinations. Finally, it is important to carefully follow the protocols prescribed by a naturopath. Some herbal supplements or dietary guidelines can be dangerous if not used in exact method prescribed. If using naturopathy as a complementary medicine, be sure to discuss all treatment with your medical doctor.
