Naturopathy

Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine has been described as "any of the various systems for curing or treating diseases (such as chiropractic, homeopathy, or faith healing) that are not included in the traditional medical curricula taught in the United States and Great Britain."

A major objection to naturopathy is that it is performed in place of conventional medical treatments. As long as naturopathic treatments are used alongside conventional treatments, the majority of physicians find most forms of complementary medicine acceptable.

Proponents of naturopathic medicine believe that naturopathic medicine can provide health benefits by empowering patients by providing the public with more choices, including treatments that are simply not available in conventional medicine.

Proponents of naturopathic medicine believe that the various naturopathic treatments are effective in treating a variety of major and minor medical conditions and claim that recently published research supports the effectiveness of specific naturopathic treatments.

Although proponents of naturopathic medicine acknowledge that the placebo effect may play a role in the benefits some receive from naturopathic therapies, they caution that this does not diminish their validity. This view worries researchers who evaluate treatments using the scientific method because it does not address the possible ineffectiveness of naturopathic treatments.

If a naturopathic treatment approach that was initially considered untested subsequently proves to be safe and effective, it may be adopted by conventional medical alternative practitioners and no longer viewed as “naturopathic”.

It is advisable that patients inform their doctor about the use of naturopathic medicines, as some naturopathic treatments can interact with conventional medical treatments and such possible conflicts should be clarified in the patient's interest. However, many conventional practitioners are biased or uninformed about naturopathy, and patients are often reluctant to share this information with their doctors for fear that it could harm their doctor-patient relationship.

Most Americans who consult naturopathic providers would likely take the opportunity to consult with a physician who is well-trained in science-based medicine and who is also open-minded and well-informed about the body's own healing mechanisms, the role of lifestyle factors in affecting health, and the appropriate use of dietary supplements, herbs, and other forms of treatment, from osteopathic manipulation to towards Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Especially in cases where traditional approaches are relatively ineffective or harmful, people want expert help navigating the confusing labyrinth of treatment options available today.

Naturopathic practices are often based on belief systems that do not stem from modern science. Naturopathic medicines may therefore contain spiritual, metaphysical or religious foundations, untested practices, non-Western medical traditions or newly developed healing approaches.

The problem of naturopathic medicine interfering with conventional medical practices is minimized when turned to only after conventional treatments have been exhausted. Many patients feel that naturopathy can help manage chronic illnesses for which conventional medicine does not offer a cure, only treatment. Over time, it has become more common for a patient's primary care physician to suggest naturopathic options when they cannot offer effective treatment.