Naturopathy is a distinct form of medical treatment that blends age-old healing traditions with scientific advances and current research. NDs view symptoms as the body’s way of communicating an underlying imbalance, and use natural treatments to support the patient’s own healing processes.
NDs are well-equipped to explore a wide range of treatment techniques with their patients and are willing to try different approaches until they find one that works. Visit https://medicinetothrive.com/ to learn more.
NDs work to identify and treat the underlying cause of disease, rather than just treating symptoms. They believe that the body has an innate healing capacity and that the patient should be involved in the decision-making process to determine what treatment is best. They embrace multicultural holistic practices that have been a part of many cultures for thousands of years, and they work hand in hand with research institutions to expand the body of scientific evidence supporting natural therapies.
They recognize the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle and encourage patients to make positive changes in their health care. NDs promote self-care, and they help patients find strategies to manage stress and anxiety to prevent the development of chronic health problems. They are also devoted to preventive healthcare and focus on early detection of diseases so they can be treated more effectively.
Naturopaths use herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, and physical therapies such as acupuncture to heal illness. They may also suggest detox diets to remove toxins from the body. However, a detox diet can be dangerous for some people. It can cause dehydration and prevent the body from absorbing essential vitamins and minerals. In some cases, a detox diet can be harmful to the joints, bones, and arteries in the spine.
Throughout their education, naturopathic doctors are trained to utilize conventional medical tools while recognizing the value of less-invasive and natural treatments. They are also taught to be critical thinkers who are open to new paradigms and the latest scientific research, so they can develop a treatment plan that incorporates the best of both worlds. Ultimately, naturopathic medicine is a holistic practice that embraces the body, mind, and spirit. It is designed to support the individual on their journey toward vitality while nurturing the innate capacity for healing.
Nutritional Medicine
A naturopath uses nutritional medicine to help treat diseases and improve general health. A naturopath may use a wide range of therapies, including clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy and homeopathy. Some naturopaths also incorporate exercise therapy and lifestyle counseling into their practice. Many naturopathic practitioners emphasize the importance of healthy eating and believe that natural foods provide the nutrients needed to maintain optimal health.
Naturopaths view human beings as whole people – a physical, mental and emotional being. They believe that the same vital force that makes up the universe and nature flows through all living things. The naturopath believes that if this energy is not flowing properly, the body will become sick. In order to restore balance, the naturopath must identify and remove obstacles that hinder healing.
The naturopath is concerned with prevention of disease as much as treating disease. A naturopath will take the time to listen to his or her patient and assess their risk factors for developing disease. The naturopath will then recommend specific lifestyle strategies or nutritional supplements to reduce the risk of future disease state.
During their medical training, naturopaths must complete extensive coursework in the sciences of clinical nutrition, botanical medicine and homeopathy. These courses are designed to teach naturopaths how to integrate these ancient therapies with modern scientific research into their practices. ND programs have also partnered with research institutions to grow the body of evidence that supports naturopathic therapies.
A visit to a naturopath is similar to visiting a conventional doctor. A naturopath will start by taking a detailed patient history, which includes questions about diet, stress and family history. The naturopath will then do a thorough physical examination, which may include laboratory tests. These tests can be anything from a standard blood panel to allergy testing or an X-ray exam. A naturopath may also use alternative diagnostic tools such as biofeedback or thermal imaging.
Herbal Medicine
In naturopathic medicine, herbs are used to correct imbalances of the body’s system. Herbal remedies are often prescribed symptomatically, for conditions such as fibromyalgia, fatigue, menopause symptoms, or gastrointestinal upset. Herbal medicines are formulated from plants, which can be brewed as teas or in syrups. Alternatively, they can be taken as dry extracts, liquid tinctures, or oils for use in massage and skin care.
Naturopathic physicians are trained to identify and prescribe herbal therapies, as well as homeopathic treatments, nutritional therapy, physical medicine and hydrotherapy. NDs also work in conjunction with medical doctors to provide patients with the best possible care.
NDs are skilled in performing or ordering diagnostic tests, such as blood and urine analyses, metabolic assessments, X-ray exams, gynecological examinations, and urinalysis. In addition, they are trained in minor surgery, which includes repair of superficial wounds and removal of cysts or other superficial masses, under local anesthesia.
Research supports the effectiveness of some naturopathic practices, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and exercise therapy, in treating certain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, randomized controlled trials that compare naturopathic care with standard treatment are rare.
In addition to assessing the patient’s overall health, the naturopathic physician considers lifestyle factors and the environment when developing a treatment plan. This may include counseling on diet, exercise, stress management and smoking cessation.
Many patients seek naturopathic medicine because of concerns about the side effects of prescription drugs or concern over the amount of pharmaceuticals in the environment. In addition, the natural healing methods favored by naturopathy are viewed as being safer than conventional medicine. However, naturopathic techniques can be dangerous when used improperly. For example, a detoxification diet that eliminates certain foods or relies on dietary supplements can cause deficiencies in vital nutrients. Additionally, spinal manipulation, a common naturopathic technique, can damage arteries, nerves, and bones in some cases. Therefore, consumers should always consult their physician before using any naturopathic method of treatment.
Physical Medicine
As the name suggests, naturopathic medicine focuses on physical treatment techniques such as massage, hydrotherapy and exercise. It also teaches patients how to care for their bodies through proper diet, rest and good hygiene. Its practitioners use the healing power of the natural world, namely vitamins, minerals and herbs, to support the body’s innate health and ability to overcome illness.
NDs work with other healthcare professionals to address the whole person, including MDs and DCs. They are trained in a number of clinical procedures, such as removing cysts or suturing superficial wounds, and may prescribe medications when needed.
In addition to standard medical sciences, NDs study clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine and counseling. They are taught the philosophy of naturopathy, which originated in the 18th Century with the principles of nature cure. These emphasized the importance of using nature – such as air, water and food – to promote wellness, and emphasized good dietary habits and proper bowel function.
Naturopathic physicians are aware of the interplay between physical, mental and emotional well-being, and believe that total health includes spiritual health. In treating each patient, they take into account not only the disease process but also any factors that could contribute to it such as genetics, environment and lifestyle.
As part of their treatment plan, NDs remove obstacles that can interfere with healing, such as poor diet, excessive stress, destructive coping mechanisms, lack of sleep and poor exercise. They then encourage the patient to find their own personal path to healing and help them set and reach wellness goals.
While naturopaths often claim to be doctors, they do not have the education or training to warrant that title. They are not accredited by the same organizations that accredit real medical schools, and their curriculum is a hodgepodge of nutritional advice, herbal remedies and other discredited treatments. Moreover, the naturopathic college I attended (which claimed to be a medical school) was actually an alternative medicine school that exploited the word “medicine” in order to attract students. These practices are deceptive and misleading. If you are considering naturopathic treatment, talk to your doctor about it first to make sure that it won’t interfere with any medications you might be taking.