What Does Naturopathy Treat?

Naturopathy is a method of healing that focuses on treating the body as a whole, rather than just the symptoms of illness, and draws on the body's innate ability to heal itself. Practitioners who practice naturopathy aim to prevent, diagnose and treat ailments and diseases by employing a combination of natural therapies. Naturopathy is often used in combination with traditional medical treatment to offer an integrated approach to wellness and restored health, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

Function

• Naturopaths treat disease by analyzing symptoms and implementing a treatment plan specific to the individual. By analyzing the presenting symptoms and combining the findings with a patient exam, a naturopathic physician will investigate the possible underlying cause for the body's imbalance. Finding the root of the symptoms allows the physician to coordinate a specific treatment plan that will target the illness.

Conditions

• Conditions treated by naturopathy include autoimmune diseases such as allergies and eczema; arthritis and other inflammatory diseases; asthma; digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease; physical injuries; chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; depression and anxiety; and infertility. Acute conditions---such as cold and flu, ear infections and headaches---also commonly treated by naturopathy. Chronic illnesses treated by naturopaths include heart disease, high blood pressure, rheumatologic issues and migraines.

Exams

• Patients visiting a naturopath will have a full medical history exam and discuss any current medical treatments or therapies, including any medications. After collecting the information, the physician will perform an evaluation of all symptoms and complaints. Naturopathy recognizes the mind-body connection, and the naturopath will also ask questions about your emotional health. He will combine all of his findings and implement a treatment plan designed for specifically for you.

Treatments

• Treatments include dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, an exercise regimen, relaxation techniques, food aversion, supplemental vitamins and herbs, juicing and cleansing the body of toxins and impurities. Naturopaths may employ a combination of natural healing modalities, including homeopathy, massage, chiropractic, aromatherapy, sound and light therapy, iridology (the study of the eyes to diagnose and treat disease), chelation (leaching heavy metals and other toxins from the body via intravenous minerals), hydrotherapy (water therapy), acupuncture and biofeedback.

Safety

• Naturopathy is safe and effective when practiced by a licensed physician. Just like their conventional counterparts, naturopathic physicians undergo extensive schooling and receive vigorous training before being eligible for licensing. Requirements include four years of graduate-level study at a naturopathic medical school. As of 2009, according to the NCCAM, the following states require a license to practice naturopathy: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington.