Introduction to Naturopathy

                    The natural way of healing Naturopathy shows the way.... God has not given us any disease for which he has not provided a remedy, only we must have the vision to look at it! Naturopathic Medicine, or Naturopathy, is a system of medicine that uses natural substances to treat the patient and recognition that the patient`s mental, emotional, and physical states must all be treated for a lasting effect.

                   Naturopathy is based on the belief that the body is self-healing. The body will repair itself and recover from illness spontaneously if it is in a healthy environment. Naturopaths have many remedies and recommendations for creating a healthy environment so the body can spontaneously heal itself.

Though the term Naturopathy was coined in 1895, this type of medicine had been practiced for hundreds, if not thousands of years prior. The fundamental difference of Nature Care with other systems is that theory and practice are based on holistic view point whereas the latter`s approach is specific. Nature Care does not believe in the specific cause of disease and its specific treatment but takes into account the totality of factors responsible for disease such as one`s unnatural habits in living, thinking, working, sleeping, relaxing, sexual indulging etc.

                 It also considers the environmental factors involved which on the whole disturb the normal functioning of the body and lead it to a morbid, weak and toxic state. The foundation of Naturopathic medicine is the vitalistic philosophy of the healing power of nature. This means that within every human organism there is a healing energy, which includes our immune system in the fuller sense of both the physical and the psyche, which is responsible for our wellness and our ability to heal and maintain health.

Principles of Naturopathy

       Naturopathy is a holistic, natural healing system that focuses on the prevention and treatment of diseases and promotion of the self healing process. This method of treatments includes herbs, massage, fasting, detoxification, acupuncture, hydro therapy etc.

It blends the old, natural, traditional therapies with the current study of health. Naturopathic doctors follow six principles of healing based on the observation of health and diseases with scientific methods.

-The healing power of nature-

It is believed that human body has an inborn ability to heal itself and maintain and restore good health. So, here the Naturopaths teach the patient about the self-healing skills of the body by identifying the cause and eliminating the impediments and establish a healthy internal and external environment.

-Do not harm the body-

The main emphasis is on avoiding any harm to the patient. The Naturopaths develop methods which minimizes the risk of harmful side-effects to the body. The diagnosis, treatment are all measured keeping in mind the individual`s healing process and refer for proper treatment when naturopathic healing therapies are incompatible to the patient`s health.

-Identify and treat the cause-

-Every illness of the body occurs with a cause. The Naturopathic doctors seek to identify the cause and treat the patient rather than just suppress/eliminate the symptoms.

-Heal the whole person-

A broad approach to diagnosis and treatment: Naturopaths take into account the patient`s over all mental, physical, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual factors that affects the health.

-The physician as Teacher-

The Naturopathic doctors teach the patient and instill in mind the self-responsibility for their own good health. With strong encouragement and motivation, the physician maintains a therapeutic potential of a good doctor-patient rapport.

-Prevention is the best cure-

-The most vital health care method is the prevention of disease and can be achieved through education, promotion of healthy lifestyle/healthy living. The Naturopaths evaluate the risk factors and make timely interventions to prevent illness.