Many of my readers are intrigued by the word naturopathy and ask about the mechanism or system it uses to heal the body and balance health. That is why I decided to touch on this subject today.
Naturopathy is a science that uses natural therapies to stimulate the body’s innate healing abilities in order to fight disease and recover its equilibrium. Its goal is to maintain health through healthy lifestyles, whole foods, nutrients (proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, probiotics), and other natural non-invasive methods. It is a branch of alternative and natural medicines.
Naturopathic healing is based on the existing power of our natural vital force, our immunity, and natural substances to cure diseases, restore energy, and maintain health. This is also the principle of Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicines. Our immune system is our main vehicle to maintain our health and well-being and help us heal. This healing mechanism draws its strength from nature’s gifts: Water, air (oxygen), healthy balanced nutrition, nutrients, physical activity, herbs, the sun, and others. How do we benefit from this type of natural therapy?
This is done through a naturopath who does a thorough check-up to assess the condition of an individual. He/she asks prevalent questions on lifestyle habits concerning the daily diet, the extent of stress, and wellness. The naturopath checks the eyes and the tongue in order to assess the patient’s imbalances, which help the diagnostic process as well as the treatment. He/she tries to reveal the underlying cause of the illness or problem rather than quelling its symptoms. He/she tries to identify the type of constitution the patient has in order to apply the appropriate natural treating method, whether it is to stimulate a dormant or lazy immune system; supplement a deficiency; balance excesses; or cleanse from toxins. For example, a naturopath prescribes, for autoimmune diseases, a detoxification program to cleanse body, special diet, water therapy, sauna, massage, yoga, meditation etc... He/she may use the science of kinesiology (physical test of muscular responses) to determine the area of distress or the kind of imbalance (emotional, physiological, psychological). If the naturopath happens to be a medical doctor as well, he/she may ask for blood tests.
The treating naturopath may recommend modifying lifestyle behaviors like prescribing a special nutritive diet, good breathing methods, (yoga, gi gong), and physical activity. He may include the use of herbs, probiotics, essential oils, reflexology, acupressure, and water and touch therapies.
A naturopath does neither treat emergency cases nor does he/she write prescriptions for pharmaceutical drugs. Naturopathy applies preventive and treating measures to restore the desired health equilibrium or control conditions such as digestive disorders (acid reflux, constipation, irritable colon), insomnia, obesity, anxiety, migraine, and stress.
A naturopath, you want to consult, should be certified, holding a university degree in this field with at least four years of theoretical and practical studies and should be practicing in a country where naturopathy is regulated.
Naturopathy is a science that complements mainstream medicine, making it a good addition to integrative medicine in order to achieve the holistic healing of an ailing individual. It aims to revive the inherent vital force and bolster the immune defenses and responses of a weakened person. Naturopathy only works for those who are determined to take charge of their own health through replacing unhygienic lifestyle habits for healthy ones. Remember that the body needs time and patience to heal; recover depleted energy; and restore its innate healing responses and inner harmony. Are you willing to do that?
