Naturopathy - Principles of naturopathy and integration into modern medicine

Naturopathy - Principles of naturopathy and integration into modern medicine

Naturopathy was developed by Benjamin Lust about a hundred years ago in the USA. Although the formal practice has only been around for a hundred years, the principles from which it was developed have been traced back to ancient times (Morton, 1997). Naturopathy uses methods from a variety of other alternative medicine models.

Naturopathy consists of 5 basic principles. First, everyone is believed to have a natural healing power within them. This model believes that one can harness these healing powers by living according to the laws of nature. Healthy eating habits, exercise, positive lifestyle habits, spiritual awareness and positive thoughts are part of his philosophy. Second, treatments and preventative medicine should not harm oneself or others. Thirdly, it focuses on finding the cause of the disease or illness and then helps the patient resolve it by applying an alternative therapy that is suitable for the condition and that is best for the particular patient. The fourth principle is to treat the whole person and not just the illness or disease. Mind, spirit and body are all treated as they are all believed to be equally important in the treatment and prevention of disease. Mind, body and soul must all be in balance. The fifth principle is the belief that all illnesses and diseases can be prevented. The naturopathic doctor is responsible for educating his patients on prevention practices. Teaching patients about healthy lifestyle choices and achieving their goals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a very important step in curing and preventing disease (Naturopathic Medicine Network, 2007).

Naturopathic doctors, or NDs, are trained in all aspects of medicine that a doctor trains. The difference is that NDs are trained to use a variety of natural therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and others (Morton, 1997). It also focuses on treating the whole patient and not just the disease, so treatment is individualized.

Although NDs are trained like doctors, they are not trained to deal with emergency illnesses. Emergencies are referred to a doctor, hospital or specialist. Some NDs can perform minor surgeries, but most of the time the surgery is performed by a doctor if absolutely necessary. The philosophy of ND is to do no harm, so surgery is always avoided if possible.

NDs can practice medicine in a private practice as a family physician. Although only a handful of states license naturopathic doctors, naturopathic medicine can be practiced in any state. Certain laws prohibit NDs from diagnosing diseases but do not prohibit ND practices.

Naturopathy could be easily integrated into Western medicine. Most people are aware that diet and exercise are important to stay healthy. Most of the practices included in this model of medicine are already implemented by Western medicine. What is missing from Western medicine is the fact that doctors do not recognize that the body, mind and spirit must be cared for to ensure optimal health. Doctors also fail to realize that illness is not just the cause of one factor, but a multitude of factors that need to be addressed rather than taking medication to treat the symptoms. The cause must be identified and addressed so that health can be restored. I believe every doctor should have a trusted ND to refer patients to for disease education and prevention.

Stress-related illnesses should be referred to a ND as modern medicine does not offer a cure for these types of illnesses. This is particularly helpful when the ND's philosophy is to educate the patient about developing a healthier lifestyle. Because physicians do not have the extensive nutritional knowledge that an ND has acquired, it would be in the patient's best interest to have a consultation with the ND to treat stress-related illnesses and conditions.

Another way to integrate naturopathy into Western medicine is to have a staff member at a hospital who sees patients being admitted or discharged to educate patients about preventive measures they can take to become healthier during and after their recovery.

Doctors might also refer patients who are at high risk of developing a particular disease or illness due to lifestyle, genetics, or disposition to an ND for preventive treatment. Because naturopathic doctors use a variety of healing methods, they are better suited to develop an individualized program for each patient.

Everyone has experienced the rushed 10-minute consultation of a doctor's visit. Here is my other idea for integrating naturopathy into the Western model of conventional medicine. Medical practices would benefit from having a ND on staff by including them in consultations. The doctor would see the patient, pass the patient's file with his recommendations to the ND, and then the ND would determine the type of treatment to be issued and the doctor's recommendation. Let the patient decide which type of treatment they would prefer. This way, the patient has multiple options available and the ND is available to answer questions and provide time to educate the patient.

This idea seems far-fetched as most doctors feel threatened by alternative medicine models. In the future, as holistic medicine becomes more widely accepted, conventional doctors and alternative practitioners may be able to work together for the good of society. Each individual patient could make their own decision about what is best for them in terms of treatment options, and both the conventional doctor and the holistic doctor could develop a trust and understanding of each other's role in treating and preventing disease.