Naturopathy=A completely Natural, Holistic method of sustainable non-invasive healing that works with the body to promote wellness
How does Naturopathy differ from conventional medicine?
As the saying goes, Chalk and Cheese! This is a big question and one could fill pages with a complete answer. The short answer can be given in a series of premises (known as the six foundational principles) upon which naturopathy is based as shown below. Although both have the same objective – to restore health and provide patient care. How that is achieved is vastly different.
- Naturopathic Healing is known as alternative medicine, based on using the bodies own Vitality or life-force to promote healing and with a strong focus on prevention
- Treatment may include nutritional and/or dietary advice, herbal medicine and possibly lifestyle changes
- A naturopath has a very different mindset, typically against drugs or addictive substances which will keep a patient bound to suffering
- A naturopath wants to cure the root cause without damaging other parts of the body (this may require more time). They do not focus on just the symptoms. For example, Doctors may treat cancer with Chemo causing other tissue damage. Naturopathic treatments would look at the reasons which caused cancer , rectify the cause then provide treatments which encourage the body to rid itself of the invasion.
Naturopathy Core Foundation
At the heart of Naturopathy these 6 core principles which define its objective, the doctor’s mindset and treatment methods (therapeutic methods and substances that encourage an individuals’ inbuilt defence mechanisms)
The healing power of nature
Use the Vital life force inherent in nature to heal, by using Natural or traditionally used remedies. This may include life-style changes, dietary changes, spiritual guidance or anything from what Nature has provided.
Root Cause
Look at the symptoms, Understand the patient, Identify the problem, then treat the root cause(s) and not just the symptoms (which may re-occur again). This provides a long-term and sustainable solution; not only a quick fix.
First, do no harm
This refers to not harming the patient by using the least invasive means possible. It includes these methods
- avoid harmful drugs or remedies which have side-effects
- do not suppress symptoms (ie. no headache tablets, only a cure) and
- work together with the patient as a team.
Education
A Naturopath is more than just a doctor, they are also teachers educating us on why illness occurs and how to prevent them using techniques such as exercise, diet, lifestyle and occupational health.
It’s a known fact that educating the poor takes them out of poverty. By the same way, educating the sick takes them out of sickness.
Treat the Whole, not a part
Always treat the whole person, not only their disease. Naturopathic treatment takes a holistic view of the patient – not just the symptom. They check the physical, emotional, mental, occupational, environmental and spiritual side of patients to find imbalances. Conventional medicine tends to focus on the symptoms of disease, and treating these with drugs. Natural, dietary, nutritional and lifestyle based solutions (that Naturopaths always use) are rarely recommended by medical doctors, only in the case of a small number specific diseases such as diabetes.
Prevention
The best way to heal is by preventing the causes of illness.
By working with a patient, Naturopaths can advise on how best to prevent problems; this could be by reducing risk-factors, simple dietary/life-style changes or addressing occupational issues.
After the initial visit and treatments, the Naturopath will commence education and advise on simple prevention techniques for your condition.