A to Z of Therapies
Naturopathy
April 22nd, 2009
Naturopathy is a system of healing, originating from Europe, that views disease as a manifestation of alterations in the processes by which the body naturally heals itself. It emphasizes health restoration as well as disease treatment. The term "naturopathy" literally translates as "nature disease." Today naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is practiced throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. There are six principles that form the basis of naturopathic practice in North America (not all are unique to naturopathy):
- Utilise the healing power of nature
- Identification and treatment of the cause of disease
- The concept of "first do no harm"
- The doctor as teacher
- Treat the whole person
- Preventative medicine
The core modalities supporting these principles include diet modification and nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, massage and joint manipulation, and lifestyle counseling. Treatment protocols combine what the practitioner deems to be the most suitable therapies for the individual patient.
It's the combination of nature's healing power and scientific methods that makes Naturopathy an important system of medicine for today's health care.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians http://www.naturopathic.org
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