Naturopathy as an alternative medicine: facts and benefits.
Ever see the memes that circulate in your social media feeds, where the modern human in the last line of evolution asks his predecessor to return back, saying – “I think we screwed up”. It’s not just you who relates to this, but this seems to be the ethos of our generation.
We wallow in our ironies – set fire to forests to call it a wildfire, mow down trees to call it deforestation, and mine out hills to call it excavation, while fully understanding that we are more or less at a place that is irreconcilable.
Then there are those of us who reconcile with the earth, our beginnings, and the vital energy that has always led us. Those of us who reconnect to earth and believe that the cure is in nature, and natural cure is the best form of healing.
Naturopathy is an alternative medicine with a holistic and mostly non-invasive approach. It treats a range of ailments and conditions with natural cures and remedies, like herbs, massage, acupuncture, natural nutrients, exercise, meditation, and nutritional counselling for the body. Naturopathy promotes leading a healthy lifestyle.
Naturopathy and the idea of natural cures reached the United States as early as the 1800s, from Germany. Today, naturopathy roots in a traditional understanding of nature, its healing properties, and science.
This is how it works!
Alternative Medicine encompasses all healing practices that do not fall within the realm of conventional medicine. It is not one practice but a combination of practices that focuses on holistic healing and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Some common examples of naturopathy include chiropractic adjustment, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, homeopathy, acupuncture, diet-based therapies and more.
Naturopathic treatment has evolved as a holistic medicine for the human body, which means you will be treated at the mind, body and spirit level. Your practitioner will work towards healing you from the inside out, not just the symptoms, for which he might sit with you to understand your health history, family history and lifestyle.
Based on this preliminary assessment of your health, he/she will assign you a steady diet, engaging exercises, and stress management tips for a healthy lifestyle. Your condition will be treated with the use of touch, pressure, and massage to balance and channel the energy in your body, which is called naturopathic manipulative therapy.
Finding a practitioner
Naturopathic medicines and their practitioners can be found for your support at hospitals, community centers, clinics, and as private offices.
Practitioners are generally categorized as:
- Naturopathic physicians: Naturopathic doctors (ND) or doctors of naturopathic medicine (NMD), have an accredited degree and has also studied nutrition, psychology, and therapies such as homeopathy and herbal medicine.
- Traditional naturopaths: Practitioners of traditional naturopathy come with in-hand experience and gained knowledge. Their level of expertise in naturopathy is acquired and their educational qualification might be from a diverse field.
- Healthcare providers: Medical doctors, nurses, dentists, doctors of osteopathy, and chiropractors who have training in naturopathy and naturopathic medicines can also assist you with treatment.
Will it help your condition?
Naturopathic medicines can be used for a wide variety of health issues and it can include chronic allergies, headaches and migraine, fertility issues, digestive problems, obesity issues, hormonal imbalance, chronic pain, digestive disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Registered naturopathic doctors can actually be your primary health care doctor, perform minor surgeries, like a wound stitch up, prescribe medication, and perform natural childbirth. In addition, you might try naturopathy for general wellness development, boost immunity, increase overall health, promote a healthy lifestyle, or stave off illness. However, it cannot replace major surgery or emergency treatment for serious or emergent conditions, like accidents, cancer and heart diseases.
In reconciling with nature and attaching yourself to this holistic way of health and life, you can distance yourself from the greed that is tearing our earth apart. Don Valley Health and Wellness Centre is one of the most trusted wellness centres in Danforth. We have been serving our patients for over 20 years and our team strives to do their best to serve you better. Visit us to know more.