What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a unique primary health care system that mixes modern scientific knowledge along with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. The main idea of this specific type of healthcare is based on the belief that the body is able to heal itself. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits.
Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity. The main goal of naturopathic medicine is to be able to prevent diseases and illnesses as well as improve health while utilizing organic methods such as organic foods as well as exercises. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.
Naturopathic medicine treats all health concerns for all ages from acute to chronic and physical to psychological. Naturopathic medicine can bebeneficial for the following types of patients:
Patients that are looking to prevent disease and live a healthier lifestyle.
Patients that have a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical practitioners.
Patients that have been diagnosed with an illness, often serious or chronic and are searching for treatment options. Naturopathic medicine is very effective for improving the quality of life for those with serious and life-threatening illnesses.
Patients that are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimizing side effects of drugs, surgery or conventional treatments. Patients that have a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical practitioners.
Patients that are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimizing side effects of drugs, surgery or conventional treatments.
Ricky Chen, Student Author
Honours Kinesiology Co-op
Undergraduate, University of Waterloo