What is Naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a traditional healing art that dates back to ancient
Greece, but it wasn't until the early twentieth century in the
United States that Naturopathic medicine first emerged as a distinct
medical specialty. It flourished during the early 1900's as
some physicians abandoned the conventional practices of bloodletting
and toxic mercury dosing, and replaced them with more effective
and much safer treatments. Through subsidies from wealthy foundations,
the support of the developing pharmaceutical industry, and money-influenced
power politics, conventional medicine was able to gain a virtual
monopoly on the health care system. Fortunately, naturopathic
medicine has seen a renaissance in the last 20 years. A public
hungry for choices and active participation in their health care,
an increased awareness about the role of diet and lifestyle in
cancer and chronic disease, and the failures of certain aspects
of modern conventional medicine and the insurance industry have
been responsible for this resurgence. Nonetheless, conventional
medicine has brought great insights, successes and even miracles
to the realm of health care. There is a place for both conventional
and naturopathic medicine i.e., true complementary medicine, and
often using them in conjunction is the best option! Why not use
the best of both traditions?! It all depends on the patient and
what their individual needs may be.
Naturopathic physicians are primary care providers and family
physicians who specialize in natural medicine. Naturopathy melds
the knowledge and wisdom of homeopaths, herbalists, chiropractors
and nutrition therapists. Naturopathy is really an umbrella term
for several holistic modalities, and often naturopaths will specialize
within one of those modalities. Common to these modalities are
the underlying five principles that provide the foundation for
naturopathic medicine:
1.) The Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrix naturae).
The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain and restore
health. The naturopathic physician's role is to facilitate and
augment this process with the aid of natural therapeutics; identify
and remove obstacles to health and recovery; and to support the
creation of a healthy internal and external environment.
2.) First, Do No Harm (primum no nocere). Naturopathic
physicians employ safe, effective and less invasive natural therapies.
3.) Identify and Treat the Cause (tolle causam). In addition
to being trained to investigate and diagnose disease, naturopaths
are trained to view things holistically and look for an underlying
root cause, be it mental, emotional or physical.
4.) Treat the Whole Person. Homeostasis and harmony of
functions of all aspects of the individual are essential to recovery
from disease, prevention of future health issues, and maintaining
wellness.
5.) Physician as Teacher (docere). The naturopathic physician's
role is to educate, empower and motivate the patient to take responsibility
for health.
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