The rise, fall and rise of the school of naturopathy

The rise, fall and rise of the school of naturopathy

Naturopathy, also known as naturopathy or naturopathy, is a form of alternative medicine that uses the body's natural abilities to heal itself to ward off disease and maintain health. Through a holistic approach to body care, naturopathy includes certain natural steps to strengthen the body's natural defenses while supporting the use of conventional medical methods to ward off disease.

The history of naturopathy

The history of naturopathy is long and interesting. Although many people have never heard of this form of alternative medicine, it has actually been used since the 1880s. During this time, Dr. Thomas Allinson to champion medical practice in Scotland. Allinson promoted a natural diet and exercised regularly to improve the body's health and cure diseases.

The concept of naturopathy did not reach the United States until the late 1890s. At this time the term was used by Benedict Lust, who was also trained in other forms of natural medicine such as hydrotherapy. Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in 1905, which opened in New York. The American School of Naturopathy was the first college of its kind to open in the United States. However, the practice of naturopathy lost adherents in the 1930s as synthetic drugs and penicillin became more widely used. The rise of other forms of alternative medicine, including herbalism and homeopathy, also contributed to the decline of naturopathy.

Despite its setbacks, naturopathy continued to be practiced by some alternative practitioners. By 1956, a new school of naturopathy opened in Portland, Oregon. The National College of Naturopathic Medicine, which integrated scientific methods alongside naturopathic practices, was the first modern medical school to offer studies in naturopathic medicine.

The principles of naturopathy

To encourage the body to heal naturally, naturopathy follows seven basic principles. These include:

o Do no harm to the body by providing the best possible healthcare while taking the least risk to the patient

o Respect and promote the body's ability to heal itself

o Remove all causes of illness rather than just suppressing the symptoms

o Inspire hope and encourage the patient to take responsibility for their health

o Consider individual health influences and factors when treating a patient

o Promote the well-being of individuals and around the world

Although modern medical practices are used in naturopathy, following these steps follows the least invasive method possible.