Naturopathic medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is a system of healthcare that combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits.

History

The term "naturopathy" was created from "natura" (Latin root for birth) and "pathos" (the Greek root for suffering) to suggest "natural healing". Benedict Lust is considered to be the founder of naturopathy in the United States. He was trained in hydrotherapy and other natural health practices in Germany by Father Sebastian Kneipp, who sent Lust to the United States to bring them Kneipp's methods.

Principles

Naturopathic medicine adheres to a number of fundamental principles:

• The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.

• Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam): The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.

• First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic physicians follow three precepts to avoid harming the patient.

• Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health.

• Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors.

• Prevention: Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and by making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.

Treatments

Naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient, not based on the symptoms. Naturopathic doctors are trained to use diagnostic and therapeutic methods such as clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing, nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic physical medicine, public health measures, hygiene, counseling, minor surgery, homeopathy, acupuncture, prescription medication, intravenous and injection therapy.

Education and Regulation

In the United States and Canada, naturopathic doctors who are trained at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine in North America, are entitled to use the designation ND or NMD.

Criticism and Controversy

Naturopathy is criticized on the grounds that it is based on misleading concepts, is not based on the laws of nature, is not tested, or is harmful or ineffective.

See Also

• Alternative Medicine
• Homeopathy
• Herbalism
• Acupuncture