Naturopath Doctors: Blending Nature's ways with Modern science Every year a staggering 80,000,000 people in the US opt for alternative medicines and therapies. At least, twothird of people in Canada feel that herbal supplements are as good as over the counter medicines available in drug stores. During 2011, findings commissioned by the Canadian College of Naturopathic medicine revealed that nearly ½ of Ontarians cured by Naturopath doctors (NDs) felt the medication worked for them. And around 40% of them reported lesser subsequent visits to their physicians. So, what do these NDs do? First off, they assist you in taking preemptive measures against ailments through constant diagnosis and cure. This process helps bring up your body's capability to reinstate and preserve your health naturally. Hence, by creating a milieu of wellness it lets you benefit optimally. An ND is a certified medical practitioner capable to cure medical conditions like heart diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive issues, allergies, hormonal imbalances, fertility troubles, obesity, menopause, adrenal fatigue, as well as small surgeries.
(no major ones), like getting rid of cysts, stitches and the likes. Most of this healing is done through natural healing agents.
Naturopathy- an Eclectic mix Naturopathy emerged as a major field of alternative medicine in the early 19th century, brought forward by Benedict Lust, who's considered as 'the father of U.S. naturopathy'. The four hundred page book 'The History of Naturopathic Medicine: a Canadian Perspective' by The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors would tell you all there is to know about the origin of Naturopathy and the evolutionary stages it underwent. Its principle stems from an inherent conviction that our body has a built-in mechanism to heal us. A naturopath introduces a modified lifestyle through right exercise and diet coupled with natural therapies in their patients' regimens. This augments their intrinsic abilities to steer clear of any ailments. The philosophy rests upon understating a patient as- a whole being (a product of complicated, interconnected
system), and not as someone ailing from only a heart disease or an allergy.
The 6 Commandments for Naturopath Doctors If you've been recommended Naturopathy and are having misgivings about it, a brief counselling session with a certified doctor can put your questions to rest. Meanwhile, here are some of the basic dogmas that NDs follow1. First, do no harm- There are 3 tenets to make sure the safety of a patient: firstly, employ no-risk practices and methods like herbal medicines, homeopathy and dietary supplements (that have no side-effects). Secondly, as much as possible don't repress any natural symptoms. They are your body's self healing reactions, like a fever arising from a viral infection. It's nothing more than a defense mechanism. And lastly, analyze and customize every cure so it suits every individual. 2. Let Nature Heal– All natural beings with flesh and blood, have an intrinsic ability to heal themselves. It should be a doctor's first attempt to get rid of all sorts of barriers that hinder a patient's
healing process like, improper diet, lack of rest or unhealthy work environment. A naturopath must take measures to foster the natural healing process as much as possible. 3. Recognize and Treat the Cause– This is naturopathy's primary belief. It wishes to weed out the ailment from its root, for good, instead of suppressing the symptoms, so it never rears its head again. 4. Teach (while you treat) your patients– Naturopathy is a process that requires learning. Naturopath doctors must educate their patients the benefits of a healthy diet, exercising, rest while keeping their spirits high. 5. Treat the individual as a whole – We're all distinct from each other in terms of- physicality, genetics, emotional and spiritual quotient, and almost everything. Some things suit some, some things don't. Which is why a custom built procedure needs to be put in place for everyone. 6. Prevention– The adage 'prevention is better than cure', hasn't yet gone out of fashion and it probably never would. It is worthwhile to take the right precautions. A naturopath should take into account
every factor that may contribute to an illness, right from genetics to the tendency of a particular patient.
Conclusion Take a closer look, and the question- 'whether Naturopathy is a result of scientific advancements or has to do with revisiting the bare bones of human body', would seem inconsequential. What matters is, that it's an attempt to address the whole body in a systematic way, so its equilibrium isn't disrupted. Besides, there isn't much of a difference between conventional doctors and NDs. Both are trained in nearly the same way, only having separate ideologies and approaches when it comes to the treatment. There are about 2,000 practitioners of naturopathy in Canada today who're relieving scores of people from their illnesses.