Naturopathy

Naturopathy is an alternative medicine system which uses herbs, exercise, nutritional counseling, acupuncture, massage, and other natural therapies. It is generally a fusion of traditional treatments and modern science. Unlike typical medications, the goal of naturopathy is to treat the person as a whole, not just target specific symptoms. A naturopathic doctor then aims to address the root cause of the problem and asks about a patient’s lifestyle, health history, and perceived stress levels.

The other principles of naturopathic medicine may include: do no harm (gentle and non-invasive therapies), nature is a powerful healer, the doctor is a teacher, the whole person should be treated, and prevention is better than cure. Laboratory tests may be ordered to verify conditions.

For instance, a patient who was suffering from ulcerative colitis for decades consulted a naturopathic physician. They talked for 2 hours about daily routine, psychological states, previous health concerns, and a healing plan. She was then asked to take certain herbal supplements, change her diet, and take more proactive steps to lessen her stressors. After being in the program for three days, the patient felt significant improvement and is now symptom-free. She has also urged her husband to go into the program as well.