What Is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is the practice of medicine based on total body equilibrium, self-healing and natural remedies. It emphasizes health maintenance and disease prevention, in addition to the treatment of injuries and illnesses. It discourages the use of drugs or surgery.

Doctors of naturopathic medicine (ND) consult with patients in a similar manner to conventional doctors. You can locate a naturopath through an alternative healthcare center, in private practice or through your state Department of Health licensing board.

Providers

• Naturopathic medicine providers earn their degrees from accredited graduate schools of natural medicine. The programs are similar in rigor to those of conventional medicine. Naturopathic universities present traditional medical courses plus studies including nutrition, psychology and botanical medicine.

  Clinical residency is required, and a state or provincial exam must be passed in order to legally practice naturopathy in the United States or Canada. Under certain health insurance plans, naturopaths are the only alternative healthcare providers that can be designated as primary care doctors.

Prevention

• Natural medicine supports the body's own cleansing and healing techniques even when you are not sick. Periodic dietary fasting and acupuncture treatments may be combined with an ongoing regimen of vitamin and herbal supplements and exercise.

  This holistic type of alternative healthcare recognizes the interaction between a patient's physical and emotional well-being. Your naturopath may also prescribe mental health counseling or a particular diet. You'll be guided toward relevant health education information, based on your lifestyle and family history.

Diagnostics

• Diagnosing the root cause of physical or mental symptoms is a primary goal of naturopathic medicine. A holistic viewpoint may succeed in this area where conventional training falls short.

  Natural medicine does not exclude modern diagnostic methods, as long as they are not invasive or unduly harmful to the body. Radiology, for instance, is considered a valid tool, along with digital imaging techniques.

Treatments

• Many patients turn to alternative healthcare to avoid the conventional use of drugs as frontline therapy. Naturopathic medicine relies on dietary management, nutritional supplements and herbal preparations to treat chronic and acute conditions.

  Naturopaths are proficient in the treatment of cases from respiratory and heart ailments to headaches and injuries to muscles, bones and joints. Gentle hot/cold compressions, hydrotherapy and physical therapy are used to overcome injuries. Exercise and lifestyle counseling may then be prescribed to strengthen the damaged area, and to and reduce stress negatively affecting the patient.

Considerations

• Naturopathy may be right for people who want to choose their healthcare system as federal laws change regarding insurance coverage. Alternative medicine is selected by those who wish to reduce their intake and dependency on conventional drugs.

  Patients also choose natural medicine to access physicians who are interested in their total well-being, and not those just interested in treating individual symptoms and conditions.