A naturopath is a medical professional who believes in utilizing the body’s natural ability to heal itself through natural and holistic methods. As regulations differ around the world, a naturopath’s exact qualifications and certifications vary greatly. A naturopath, in general, provides complementary medicine rather than primary care, and a naturopath may refer a patient to another practitioner for treatment of certain conditions.
Naturopathy assumes that the body’s natural desire for wellness and stability can be aided, and that the body can be encouraged to be healthy with a little help. A naturopath uses a variety of treatments to accomplish this, including massage therapy and other physical treatments, as well as counseling. The goal is for the patient and the care provider to work together as a team to address the patient’s entire body. Naturopathy, like many other alternative medical practices, emphasizes preventative medicine and getting to the root of a problem rather than just treating the symptoms.
A naturopath does not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, but a patient who clearly requires these services will be referred to a medical doctor a reputable naturopath. Herbal treatments, homeopathy, and acupuncture, as well as nutritional and life counseling, are available from the naturopath. A healthy exercise program to build strength and well-being may be devised the patient and naturopath team. Instead of simply treating patients, most naturopaths believe they are empowering them.
The origins of naturopathy can be traced back to the late 1800s, when a group of American doctors began to consider alternative medical treatments after losing faith in conventional medicine. Some of these people were also aware of the commercial potential of “natural” medicine. The first naturopathy schools opened in the early 1900s, and until the 1940s, when mainstream medicine developed antibiotics and synthetic drugs, they continued to attract a large number of students. Patients still see a small number of naturopaths, but not as many as they used to.
In some cases, a naturopath is a fully licensed physician who specializes in natural remedies and is a member of a trade association that oversees the practice of naturopaths. A naturopath can also be a more traditional alternative care provider in some cases. Patients who want to see a naturopath should look into the regulations in their area so they know what they’re getting into. Interviewing any care provider about their certifications and philosophy is also a good idea.