Our ancestors probably had a lot in common with today’s naturopaths. They didn’t take pills when they got sick, as Tylenol and other pain killers hadn’t been invented yet. Just as naturopaths do today, they probably used plant and animal extracts to make themselves and their families well.
In today’s fast-paced environment, we rely a lot on synthetic medicines. However, many of these medicines tend to suppress symptoms rather than deal with the underlying cause. Naturopaths look beyond the immediate symptoms to find the cause of the problem. For example, a headache could be caused by stress, poor posture, or improper diet. Using non-surgical therapy and natural remedies, naturopaths focus on restoring the overall health of people, not just treating the areas where the symptoms appear.
One of the areas naturopaths focus on is disease prevention. To address this, they combine modern scientific knowledge with traditional methods of natural healing. They also encourage people to make changes in their lifestyles and to take a more active role in maintaining their health.
Many of the techniques used by naturopaths have been around for centuries. For example, the ancient art of acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Needles are inserted into the skin and are used to treat everything from allergies and arthritis to migraines and depression.
Naturopaths are trained in many areas. Some practice in several areas while others specialize. These areas include acupuncture and oriental medicine, botanical or herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, and water therapy. In addition, some work in the areas of lifestyle counselling, clinical nutrition, and soft tissue and joint manipulation.
Naturopaths use techniques and medicines that act in harmony with the body’s healing processes. According to homeopathic theory, for example, all symptoms, no matter how uncomfortable, represent the body's attempt to restore itself to health. Instead of trying to stop a cough with suppressants, as conventional medicine does, homeopathic remedies will cause a cough in a sick person. This stimulates the ill body to restore itself.
Although naturopathic medicine is focused on non-surgical methods of treatment, if naturopaths have patients who require conventional medical treatment such as surgery, they refer them to a medical doctor or the hospital.
Naturopathic medicine is a growing area. More and more people are turning to natural treatments as an alternative to conventional medicine. It’s not just a health practice—it’s a philosophy and a lifestyle.
NOC Code: 3123