Naturopathic Medicine: What Is It, How Does It Works, Who Practices It, and What Are Its Uses?

Sometimes we all want a second opinion on matters that concern our health or even something different from the mainstream wellness programs. One program that comes to mind is naturopathic medicine, a holistic approach to our body, mind, and spirit.

But that is not all you need to know about this treatment alternative, as you can find out from this article.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a type of healthcare program that combines traditional methods with modern treatments. It includes natural therapies to complement modern medicine for the whole body, spirit, and mind healing.

• The program focuses on different variables, such as:
• The body’s ability to heal naturally (heal itself)
• Preventing future health problems

Individual responsibility to maintain a healthy body, spirit, or mind

Naturopathic medicine or treatment focuses on prevention and education and often emphasizes stress management, exercise, and diet. It uses several beliefs and principles to develop a personalized treatment plan.

These beliefs and principles include:

Self-healing: It involves identifying and eliminating obstacles that hinder the recovery process. That plays a part in allowing for a natural healing process.

Underlying symptoms: The naturopathic practitioner does not stop the symptoms but resolves the underlying issues that might be affecting your well-being. That includes treating the spirit, mind, and body.

Harmless treatment: One principle of naturopathic treatment is there should be no side effects or no negative control of symptoms.

Holistic treatment: This means the doctor should recognize your treatment aspect to guarantee a healthy outcome.

Education in treatment: The program includes teaching the patients self-care tips to empower them against any future illness.

Prevention: Prevention involves removing any toxic material from the client’s lifestyle to prevent future problems.

Naturopathic medicine therapies can include homeopathy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture.

How Does Naturopathic Treatment Work?

Naturopathic treatment aims to treat the spirit, body, and mind or the whole person. It aims to treat the root cause of the illness and not just the symptoms.

A naturopathic doctor might spend 2-3 hours examining your body, mind, and spirit by asking different questions like:

• Your health history
• Your lifestyle habits
• Your stress levels
• The doctor might also recommend some lab tests.

After that, the naturopathic expert will discuss your health plan. That includes educating you on how to take care of your body and some steps to prevent future illnesses.

Here the doctor might give you some stress management tips, exercise programs, and diet to follow. There is also a possibility of using complementary medicine like herbal medicine, acupuncture, and homeopathy.

The doctor might also use naturopathic manipulative therapy, which uses touch (pressure and massage). It is an ideal technique that helps to provide balance to the body.

Who Practices Naturopathic Medicine?

You can find professionals who practice naturopathic medicine in private offices, community centers, clinics, and hospitals. They are classified into three categories and have different backgrounds and educations.

Naturopathic Physicians

They are also called Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) or Naturopathic Doctors (ND) and attend a credited four-year, university-level course. These people learn the same science courses as modern medical doctors (MD).

The only difference between the ND and MD is that the ND also learn psychology, nutrition, and complementary therapies like homeopathy and herbal medicine. Some territories and states require these physicians to be licensed, and that means passing a practicing exam.

They also take continuing education programs and exams.

Traditional Naturopaths

These experts do not attend a credited naturopathic medical institution or apply for a license. There is no set education for them, and it varies widely.

Healthcare Providers

Some doctors of osteopathy, dentists, medical doctors, nurses, and chiropractors train in naturopathic treatment. Most of them are NDs or study naturopathy courses.

It is advisable to ask about the education and license of a naturopathic medical practitioner before seeking treatment.

Uses of Naturopathic Medicine

People seek naturopathic treatment when traditional and other complementary treatment programs fail. That shows that this is not the first treatment choice for most people, but its results are beyond doubt.

A 2019 study found that treatment programs that use naturopathic medicine are useful in these areas:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Cardiovascular disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Most chronic conditions

A 2007 study showed that the herbal treatment of cayenne, devil’s claw, and white willow bark relieved pain better than placebo. There is also evidence to show that naturopathic medicines like acupuncture can treat chronic problems.

An even recent study done in 2018 found that naturopathic medicine can help control complications after operations. For instance, acupressure and acupuncture can reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Music and aromatherapy can also reduce anxiety, stress, and pain.

In Conclusion

Naturopathic medicine blends conventional healthcare with traditional medicine to work on your body, mind, and spirit.