Naturopathy Medicine - What you need to know

Nature has embraced us with the wonders of natural remedies to aid the body in healing. The mechanism of “Naturopathy Medicine” makes use of natural remedies to assist the body to heal itself. It is embraced with some therapies such as massage, herbs, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.

In the 1800s, this therapy was brought to the United States from Germany; however, many of its treatments are even centuries older. Today, it is even an amalgamation of modern science with traditional treatments.

Do you know how it's working?

The ultimate aim of naturopathic medicine is treating the person completely; it means mind, spirit, and body. It also targets to heal the basic cause of illness and not just stopping the symptoms. To analyze you, a naturopathic doctor could spend 1 to 2 hours while examining you.

They could ask certain questions related to your health history, lifestyle habits. This medicine concentrates on education and prevention so that your doctor could give you a diet, and tips on stress management. They may also make use of some complementary medicines such as pressure and massage to create balance in your body. This therapy is known as naturopathic manipulative therapy.

WHO IS THE PRACTITIONER?

You may find people who assist in naturopathic medicine in hospitals, private offices, community centers, and clinics. They can be divided into three groups and belong to distinct backgrounds:

Naturopathic Physicians

They are also known as Naturopathic Doctors (ND) or doctors of Naturopathic Medicines (NMD). They attend four-year, graduate-level school. Along with learning nutrition, psychology, homeopathy, herbal medicine, they also learn the same basic science as Conventional Medical Doctors. Some territories and states need naturopathic doctors to be licensed. It means that they have to clear an exam to practice and take education classes in continuation.

Traditional Naturopaths

Such practitioners have not attended any naturopathic medical school or don’t possess any license.

Healthcare Providers

Some of the dentists, medical doctors, and nurses possess training in naturopathic medicine. They could be NDs or have studied naturopathy. You must verify the state’s licensing requirements and can ask the naturopathic practitioner about their education or training, before choosing them.

How naturopathic medicine can benefit your health?

Naturopathy physicians have been successful in treating such chronic conditions that don’t respond to conventional medicine. It includes digestive disorders, fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbance. They can respond to the individual requirements of the patients and can make a plan for treatment that includes botanical medicine, diet therapy, and nutritional supplements. Naturopathic physicians know the art of healing that is far more than dispensing nutritional supplements or herbal remedies.

The physician must take some time to know about the patient’s story, to understand the context of the illness of the patient. Efficient naturopathic treatment is a combination of enhanced communication and patience. Most of the patients understated what is the problem and what must be done; however, they don’t have the exact idea that how to translate it into an action plan. Such physicians may translate the story of a patient and assign priorities among some options that may emerge.

What to expect in initial appointments of naturopathy?

The initial appointment with a neuropathic physician could be much longer than 60 to 120 minutes. To guide the neuropathic doctor during the interview, patients have to complete the paperwork. The initial appointments involve listening to the story of the patient. This story could be full of twists and turns. As neuropathy doctors know the significance of this process so they allow the patient to take much time to share his story.

If required, neuropathic physicians make use of laboratory tests to analyse the most effective methods. The whole process comes out with a tailored treatment plan. The varied treatment depends upon the expertise of the physician, but much time is afforded to discuss the plan and answer the questions.

The treatments of Naturopathy may include:

1. Psychotherapy

2. Detoxification

3. Recommendations on diet and nutrition

4. Changes in Behaviour, like lifestyle and exercise

5. Homeopathy, a type of natural medicine

6. Hydrotherapy, is a water-based treatment

7. Herbal dietary supplements

Summary

Naturopathy is a blend of traditional medicine with conventional healthcare to work with the body on a natural level. A doctor could make use of naturopathic methods to assist surgeries and modern surgeries.

It is also a controversial field since the studies have not proven to be effective consistently. It is always advisable to talk to the doctor before switching to naturopathic treatments, as some of the therapies could interact with existing treatments.