(BlackDoctor.org) — Naturopathy is a form of alternative or complementary medicine. This practice is based on the notion that the body has the intrinsic ability to heal itself with the proper support and guidance, and naturopaths utilize modern and traditional medical practices to achieve this goal. It is practiced in the United States, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Germany. Naturopaths can be found working in hospitals, medical offices, holistic health centers, and many other settings.
The Basics Of Naturopathy
In naturopathy, allowing nature to heal the body is a primary basis of this form of alternative medicine. Naturopathic doctors pledge first to “do no harm”, and seek to find the underlying cause of illness rather than to simply treat symptoms.
Naturopaths see themselves as teachers, and work with patients on lifestyle changes that promote healing and optimal health. Taking many aspects of a patient’s life and history into consideration, naturopaths may address diet and nutrition, chronic health conditions, exercise, emotional health, spirituality, family history, and many other factors during the course of treatment.
The prevention of disease and illness is one of the most important aspects of naturopathic medicine. Whereas mainstream medicine may concentrate on curing illness, naturopathy relies on treatment and lifestyle changes that may prevent the occurrence of disease in the first place. Naturopaths evaluate genetic predisposition to disease, family history and other risk factors that may make a patient more vulnerable to illness. Specific lifestyle changes to support optimal health and the prevention of disease are then prescribed.
What Can I Expect?
When seeing a naturopath, patients can expect to undergo an extensive medical interview and physical examination. A naturopathic doctor may prescribe homeopathic remedies (see previous Black Doctor editorial describing homeopathy), herbal remedies, dietary and lifestyle changes, and a variety of laboratory tests.
During the course of treatment, naturopathic doctors may utilize acupuncture, chelation therapy, blood and hair analysis, hydrotherapy, massage or joint manipulation, colonic irrigation, as well as other forms of natural medicine and healing. While some naturopathic doctors may serve as the primary medical provider for a minority of patients, most consumers will maintain their relationship with their medical doctor and simply see a naturopathic doctor as a complement to their mainstream medical treatment.
How Are Naturopaths Trained and Certified?
The Basics Of Naturopathy was originally published on blackdoctor.org
