Fact: Originally a Greek word which translates as ‘natural suffering’.
Founded By: Dr. Benedict Lust (US) who established the first naturopathic medical school (New York) in 1985.
Therapy Type: Natural Medicine
Naturopathic medicine holds its foundation in the science of nature. Naturopathy is at the fore of modern day medicine and traditionally has the longest history of any healing therapy. It examines the body holistically and treats each client separately. Naturopathy combines and unites the latest theories from physiology, biochemistry alongside herbal, nutritional and homeopathic medicines and techniques, which supports the body into joining in harmony and balance, encouraging the healing of disease and re establishing good health and wellbeing.
Naturopathic physicians apply the six fundamental guiding principles of naturopathic medicine:
(i) ‘The healing power of nature’, i.e. the belief in the body’s ability to heal.
(ii) ‘Identify and treat the cause’, i.e. examining the root cause beyond the symptoms.
(iii) ‘First, do no harm’, i.e. utilize the most natural and least invasive, toxic therapies.
(iv) ‘Treat the whole person’, i.e. view the body as a totality of body, mind and spirit.
(v) ‘The physician as teacher’, i.e. educate clients to achieve, restore and maintain health.
(vi) ‘Prevention, the best cure’, i.e. focus on holistic health and disease prevention.
Naturopaths may seem to hold varying viewpoints, this is often due to which practice the naturopath associates with the most. The core naturopathic modalities include:
• Clinical Dietetics and Applied Nutrition,
• Detoxification techniques,
• Hydrotherapy / Colonicsl
• Physical Therapy. Examples include osteopathy/chiropractic (by an appropriately registered practitioner), naturopathic physical manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, massage and other soft tissue techniques (e.g. neuromuscular technique/fascial release),
• Psychotherapeutic techniques,
• Medical Herbalism and
• Offering advice regarding a healthy lifestyle.
Naturopathy may benefit the following physical and mental conditions:
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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM NATUROPATHY SESSIONS
Your initial consultation may take between 60 to 90 minutes. The therapist will need to ascertain information on your past medical history and current symptoms, you can also expect to be asked about your diet, sleep, lifestyle and some mental and emotional aspects. Physical examinations such as taking your blood pressure or zinc testing may sometimes be required depending on your condition.
Your naturopath can then prescribe the most suitable treatment plan to match your specific symptoms and individual characteristics. The plan is tailored to the clients needs so that they feel comfortable and are ready to integrate it into their daily routine. As the client progresses through treatment the course of therapy alters to accommodate and support the recovery of the individual’s health and wellbeing. Follow-up consultations are scheduled from 1 to 4 weeks after initial treatment and will generally last between 20 to 30 minutes. The frequency and number of follow-up consultations can range from weekly to monthly and is dependent on each individual case.
Naturopathy can offer very quick results. However, to gain further positive results, support within altering lifestyle, such as addressing nutritional deficiencies can support the body in gaining good health, rather than or in conjunction with concentrating on the health issue, which is discovered. All naturopathic therapists must be qualified to be able to ascertain, diagnose and treat individuals and prescribe medicines safely.
FINDING A QUALIFIED NATUROPATH
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