Complementary Alternative Therapy is the Future of Western Health Practices
- Valentina Marie
- Feb 15
- 3 min read
Naturopathic Therapy
Complementary Alternative Therapies pertain to therapies derived from nature or naturopathy that can complement both Naturopathic Medicine and Western Medical Practices. When we think of naturopathy, we automatically assume that it involves natural means of medicine for treatment. The Latin word ‘naturo’ means ‘nature,’ and ‘pathic’ means ‘to suffer.’ So, the definition of naturopathic is ‘to ease suffering through nature. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, believed in the healing capabilities of nature and that if you focused on the entirety of a person, body, mind, and spirit, a person could heal themselves. Like the Hippocratic school of thought, Naturopathic therapy considers the whole body. The holistic belief of naturopathy is that the human body can heal itself given enough rest, time, and support (Synovitz, 2020, p 138).
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Naturopathic therapies consist of nutritional and lifestyle changes, stress reduction, implementing herbs, other dietary supplements, Reiki, Energy Work, vibrational sound therapy, Light Therapy, manipulative therapies, and exercise therapy (NIH, 2017). Naturopathic Medicine and Therapies is the real foundation of Hippocrates' teachings.
The major beliefs of Naturopathy are that disease is a natural part of nature, and that naturopathy promotes health and helps prevent disease. Naturopathic therapists believe that the body will heal itself and that germs are not the primary cause of disease. Lastly, the naturopath's belief is “do no harm” (Synovitz, 2020, p 140).
Naturopathic medicine is not the same as Naturopathic therapy. Naturopathic doctors have completed the education to practice medicine. Naturopathic doctors have several different ways of diagnostics, such as biotyping, iridology, mineral analysis, bioresonance, and Kirlian imaging (Synovitz, 2020, p 142). Naturopathic therapists are either Holistic Practitioners with backgrounds in Eastern modalities. Naturopathic Therapies cannot diagnose, treat, or practice medicine as a Naturopathic physician can.
There are several naturopathic therapies. One of the therapies of naturopathy is balancing the four major body systems, which are the immune system, the elimination system, the nervous system, and the hormonal system, by the use of Reiki, Energy work, crystals, fresh air, sunlight, water, rest, exercise, essential oils, and herbs. Another naturopathic route is educating and counseling clients about lifestyle and diet. Nutrition is related to disease, and naturopaths believe proper diet and herbal supplement use improve conditions. Naturopathic Therapists work with Naturopathic Doctors to help a client achieve optimal wellness and complement each other.
Naturopathic Doctors and Naturopathic Therapists
Naturopathic doctors help their patients to detoxify their bodies under medical supervision. Detoxing the body is the basis of nutrition, and replenishing the body with healthy foods and supplements improves vitality. Medicines in naturopathy come from nature and are usually supplemental vitamins or homeopathic substances. The last naturopathic treatment consists of aromatherapy baths to promote wound healing or relieve pain. Colon hydrotherapy, which consists of water therapy to cleanse, detoxify, and remove congested areas (Synovitz, 2020, p 143-144). To improve musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, naturopathic therapists include energy work, therapeutic massage, physical activity, and traditional bodywork.
A traditional naturopath usually does not have a university undergraduate or higher educational degree. A traditional naturopath may not prescribe drugs, give X-rays, or do surgery. As the future of medicine evolves, healthcare providers such as medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, chiropractors, and nurses are pursuing training in naturopathic modalities. The highest level of naturopathy is a Naturopathic physician. A Naturopathic physician’s training is identical to that of a medical doctor, with 1,500 hours of clinical requirements and proficiency, and who must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) with ongoing continuing medical education (CME) (Synovitz, 2020, p 144).
In the United States, naturopathic treatments and therapies are increasing. Americans seem to use naturopathy for primary care to prevent disease and support overall well-being. “There are 15 US states that recognize licensure for Naturopathic Physicians (ND)” (Fleming & Gutknecht, 2010). There has been a steady increase in Americans visiting holistic healthcare providers and therapists. Six hundred million Americans visit a holistic healthcare provider yearly and pay out-of-pocket expenses (Neddermeyer, 2016). As Western medicine returns to the Hippocratic oath and the school of thought, more Americans will visit Naturopathic doctors or Naturopathic holistic practitioners for their health-related needs.
References:
Fleming, S. A., & Gutknecht, N. C. (2010). Naturopathy and the primary care practice. Primary care, 37(1), 119–136. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883816/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). 2017. Naturopathy. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/naturopathy
Neddermeyer, D. (2016). Holistic Care Facts and Statistics. Medical Research and News. https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/holistic/care-statistics.php
Snyovitz, L. B., Larson, K. L. (2020). Consumer Health and Integrative Medicine: Holistic View of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practices (2nd ed.), Jones & Bartlett Learning
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