Naturopathy and Natural Healing

Naturopathy is based on natural means of healing diseases. Its practitioners often employ the entire spectrum of alternative therapies. Instead of conventional drugs, for example, they may choose from among herbal medicines, homeopathic remedies, nutrition and diet therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy.

Naturopaths describe themselves as holistic practitioners who rely heavily on patient counseling and education. They also include among their treatments some practices of conventional medicine. For instance, they may use diathermy (a form of electrotherapy) for backaches. Many practitioners are also trained in techniques of behavior modification, such as biofeedback and hypnosis; others offer massage and other therapies for stress management.

Origins

Naturopathy originated during the 19th century, when a medical regimen based on hydrotherapy, exercise, fresh air, sunlight, and herbal teas gained a large following in Germany. The system was brought to the United States by a German healer, Benedict Lust, who founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York in 1902.

Lust called for the elimination of "evil" habits such as overeating, the use of alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, and cocoa, and advocated corrective habits of breathing, exercise, and a wholesome mental outlook. He also recommended good nutrition, periodic fasting, and various forms of hydrotherapy. He took a militant stand against "the drugs, vaccines, and serums employed by superstitious moderns" in favor of "natural forces much more orthodox than the artificial resources of the druggist," which he described as harmful and irritating to the human body.

Naturopathy quickly developed a nationwide following, and in 1909, California became the first state to pass a law regulating natural medicine. But eventually, the practice could not compete successfully with modern medical and surgical techniques, nor could it deal with widespread accusations of quackery. By the 1960s, naturopathy had all but vanished from the scene. Today it is making a comeback.

Practitioners

The designation N.D. stands for Doctor of Naturopathy and indicates that the practitioner has completed studies in one of three naturopathy schools located in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; or Toronto, Canada. The course of study covers nutrition and various alternative therapies, including herbal medicine, homeopathy, Chinese medicine, massage, and manipulation. Hydrotherapy and other aspects of physical medicine are also studied. Persons with this degree are licensed to practice in seven states: Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Some aspects of naturopathy and natural healing are also performed by acupuncturists, herbalists, massage therapists, nutritionists, and chiropractors, as well as by self-proclaimed healers with no formal credentials. When it is used

While some people prefer a naturopathic practitioner as their primary doctor, others may visit one for specific treatments, such as hydrotherapy for arthritis or herbal preparations as alternatives to pharmaceutical medications. Actually, some components of natural healing are used by most people as simple self-care: for example, a high-fiber diet to treat constipation, a warm bath to ease stress, exercise to alleviate depression, or self-massage for muscle aches.

How Naturopathy Works

The major premise of natural healing is that the human organism is capable of resisting disease and healing itself. Therefore the way to achieve wellness is to promote the body's self-healing capabilities. Naturopaths emphasize the responsibility of each individual in eating a sensible diet, exercising, and following a prudent, healthful lifestyle.

What to Expect

The first visit is devoted to exploring the patient's medical history and lifestyle. After a diagnosis is made, the patient and practitioner evolve a holistic program. Here, for example, is a summary of the treatment for osteoarthritis as presented in the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzomo, N.D.:

Diet Avoid all simple carbohydrates (sugars); stress starchy and high-fiber foods, and flavonoid-nch berries such as blueberries and raspberries; keep fats to a minimum; eliminate tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers.

Supplements: Take niacinamide, methionine, pantothenic acid, zinc, and copper, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E.

Botanical medicines: Use yucca leaves and extract and the powdered root of devil's claw.

Physical therapy and exercise: Include isometric exercises and swimming daily. Try short-wave diathermy and other physical therapy treatments that may be helpful.