Understand The Role of Naturopathy Medical System To Promote Longevity
Naturopathy—also called naturopathic medicine—is a medical system that has evolved from a combination of traditional practices and health care approaches popular in Europe during the 19th century. Naturopathy as a whole medical has its roots in Germany. It was developed further in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, where today it is considered part of complementary and alternative (CAM).
Guided by a philosophy that emphasizes the healing power of nature, naturopathic practitioners now use a variety of traditional and modern therapies. Practitioners view their role as supporting the body’s inherent ability to maintain and restore health, and prefer to use treatment approaches they consider to be the most natural and least invasive.
Naturopathy’s popularity in the United States grew in the 1920s and 1930s. Its use began to decline when drugs (such as antibiotics) and other developments in conventional medicine moved to the forefront of health care. Naturopathy began to reemerge in the 1970s, with increased consumer interest in “holistic” health approaches and the founding of new naturopathic medical colleges. Today, naturopathy is practiced in a number of countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
The practice of naturopathy is based on principles that are similar to and consistent with the principles of primary care medicine as practiced by conventional physicians.
These include:
- First do no harm. Try to minimize harmful side effects and avoid suppression of symptoms.
- Physician as teacher. Educate patients and encourage them to take responsibility for their own health.
- Treat the whole person. Consider all factors (e.g., physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental, social) when tailoring treatment to each patient.
- Prevention. Assess risk factors and, in partnership with patients, make appropriate interventions to prevent illness.
- Healing power of nature. Seek to identify and remove obstacles to the body’s natural processes for maintaining and restoring health.
- Treat the cause. Focus on the causes of a disease or condition, rather than its symptoms.
Traditional naturopaths, also known simply as “naturopaths,” emphasize naturopathic approaches to a healthy lifestyle, strengthening and cleansing the body, and noninvasive treatments. They do not use prescription drugs, injections, x-rays, or surgery. Several schools offer training for naturopaths, often through distance learning (correspondence or Internet courses). Admission requirements for schools can range from none, to a high school diploma, to specific degrees and coursework. Programs vary in length and content and are not accredited by organizations recognized for accreditation purposes by the U.S. Department of Education. Traditional naturopaths are not subject to licensing.
Recommendations:
Step by Step Guide to Naturopathy – Natural Health & Healing [VHS]
Naturopathy:Ancient Gateway [VHS]
