Naturopathy emphasizes the use of natural therapeutic methods to encourage the body’s ability to heal itself. This form of medicine includes a scientific, traditional, and modern approach to healthcare using empirical evidence over time. So what does that mean exactly?
Naturopathic medicine suggests that the body has the ability to heal itself, given the right set of circumstances and emphasis on natural healing methods. Instead of using man-made drugs to treat symptoms or diseases, a naturopathic doctor may suggest or prescribe natural supplements and dietary restrictions that have been proven to provide results.
The main goals of naturopathy are to promote self healing by:
- Identifying and treating root causes, rather than the symptoms surrounding a health issue.
- Doing no harm. The first rule of medicine is that doctors provide medical treatments that will minimize harmful effects and work with an individual’s self-healing process.
- Educating patients and encouraging self-responsibility in the care of their body.
Naturopathic doctors believe in the treatment of the whole person, and therefore take into consideration many factors, including genetics, physical health, environmental and emotional health, among others.
Naturopathy may be right for you if you have not found answers to your questions by going to a traditional medical professional, or if you prefer to use natural methods to heal your body first before seeking additional medical help. Sometimes, patients end up seeking naturopathy as a last resort and it ends up becoming their primary form of care.