Naturopathic Medicine, is a type of
alternative medicine based on a belief in vitalism, which posits that a special
energy called vital energy or vital force guides bodily processes such as
metabolism, reproduction, growth, and adaptation. Naturopathy favors a holistic
approach with non-invasive treatment by encouraging minimal use of surgery and
drugs.
The term "naturopathy" is derived from Greek and Latin, and literally translates as "nature disease". Modern naturopathy grew out of the Natural Cure movement of Europe. The term was coined in 1895 by John Scheel and popularized by Benedict Lust, the "father of U.S. naturopathy". Beginning in the 1970s, there was a revival of interest in the United States and Canada in conjunction with the holistic health movement.
Naturopathy focuses on naturally-occurring substances, minimally-invasive methods, and encouragement of natural healing. Naturopaths generally favor an intuitive and vitalistic conception of the body, and complete rejection of biomedicine and modern science is common. Prevention through stress reduction and a healthy diet and lifestyle is emphasized, and pharmaceutical drugs, ionizing radiation, and surgery are generally minimized. The tenet of naturopathic practice is self-described by six core values.
The term "naturopathy" is derived from Greek and Latin, and literally translates as "nature disease". Modern naturopathy grew out of the Natural Cure movement of Europe. The term was coined in 1895 by John Scheel and popularized by Benedict Lust, the "father of U.S. naturopathy". Beginning in the 1970s, there was a revival of interest in the United States and Canada in conjunction with the holistic health movement.
Naturopathy focuses on naturally-occurring substances, minimally-invasive methods, and encouragement of natural healing. Naturopaths generally favor an intuitive and vitalistic conception of the body, and complete rejection of biomedicine and modern science is common. Prevention through stress reduction and a healthy diet and lifestyle is emphasized, and pharmaceutical drugs, ionizing radiation, and surgery are generally minimized. The tenet of naturopathic practice is self-described by six core values.
1. First, do no harm; provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to patients at all times (premium non nocere).
2. Recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being. (Vis medicatrix naturae, a form of vitalism).
3. Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms (Tolle Causam).
4. Educate, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health (Doctor as Teacher).
5. Treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences. (Treat the Whole Person).
6. Emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent diseases for the individual, each community and our world. (Health Promotion, the Best Prevention)
Naturopathy is guided by six
foundational principles, including:
- The healing power of nature
- First do no harm
- Find and treat the cause, not only the symptom
- Always treat the whole person, not only their disease
- Education
- Prevention.
Naturopathy maintains that the body
can heal itself if it is given the right circumstances and conditions. A range
of treatments or therapies are used to stimulate the body’s own healing powers
or ‘vital force’. Treatment may include nutritional medicine, dietetics, herbal
medicine, homoeopathy, lifestyle advice and tactile therapies, such as massage,
acupressure or Bowen technique.
Many of the foundations of naturopathy – such as the importance of diet, clean fresh water, sunlight, exercise and stress management – have been adopted by conventional medicine.
Many of the foundations of naturopathy – such as the importance of diet, clean fresh water, sunlight, exercise and stress management – have been adopted by conventional medicine.
Commonly treated disorders
The range of disorders commonly treated by naturopaths includes:
The range of disorders commonly treated by naturopaths includes:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Digestive complaints
- Mood disorders and depression
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Behavioral problems
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Musculoskeletal complaints such as arthritis
- Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems
- High blood pressure
- Fertility problems
- Endocrine disturbance
- Hormonal imbalances, such as premenstrual tension and menopause.
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