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Naturopathy

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy, also known as Naturopathic Medicine, is a complementary and alternative medicinetesttest (CAM), a system of healthcare which is holistic in nature. Naturopathy respects the natural healing ability present within the human body, with the goal of focusing and mobilizing this inner power to promote self-healing. The term Naturopathy comes from two Greek words: the Greek word for "physician," which originates from the root "phusis," meaning from nature, and from the word "pathos," meaning “suffering,” indicating the use of nature to relief suffering. It is a gentle, non-invasive, non-toxic approach to healthcare which places emphasis on both treatment and prevention.

The underlying principle of Naturopathy is to assist the natural healing potential of the body, without harm, using the powers of nature (a principle called "vis medicatrix naturaetesttest"), and with methods validated by modern scientific research. The combination of natural healing and a scientific approach is what makes Naturopathic Medicine an accepted system of medicine today. Today’s Naturopathic Doctors actively pursue the latest biochemical findings related to human biology and the dynamics of natural therapies to blend modern, state-of-the-art therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with both natural and traditional healing methods.

Naturopathy draws from nature in its most simplest form. Drinking fresh water, breathing clean air, daily exercise, foods which are natural and as chemical/preservative free as possible, relaxation, and daily exposure to sunlight are examples of a Naturopathic approach to wellness. Naturopathic Medicine includes the use of natural therapies such as Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Bach Flower Remedies, Acupuncture, Acupressure, massage, Chromatherapy, Reflexology, and therapeutic manipulation (similar to chiropractic work).

A person who is formally trained in Naturopathy is called a Naturopath Doctor (N. D.). Naturopaths undergo extensive training in natural therapies, including nutrition, Acupuncture, Homeopathic Medicine, Botanical Medicine, Psychology, and counseling. Training is completed as a 4-year course at Naturopathic medical colleges recognized by the U. S. Department of Education, of which there are currently 5 in the U. S. and Canada. In 1983 the World Health Organization recommended the integration of Naturopathic Medicine into the conventional healthcare system. A "Naturopathic Physician" is a term commonly used for a Medical Doctor who has chosen to extend their conventional medical training into the field Naturopathic Medicine.

Naturopathic Doctors strive to find the underlying cause of a patient’s illness, rather than focusing on treating the symptoms only, and seek to gain an accurate picture of the health of the patient from a whole-body perspective. Treatments are then individually tailored based on the needs of each patient. Naturopathic Doctors consider their relationship with their patient's a partnership, and actively engage their patients in learning how to cultivate a state of well being and on how to monitor their own wellness for signs of imbalance.

Naturopathic Doctors view natural remedies as both complementary and primary, referring patients for conventional treatments when necessary.

Naturopathic Medicine is founded on six fundamental principles:

1. The healing powers of nature
Working to restore health by using methods that are in harmony with the natural wisdom and processes of the body

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