Natural medicine is a science-backed approach which focuses on identifying key aspects of each individual and unique case. It focuses on non-toxic therapies to restore mental, physical and structural balance too. It is perceived as an art, science, and philosophy which is a distinct system of primary health care by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Modern, traditional, empirical and scientific disciplines are incorporated into the system of natural medicine. Why is it making such a comeback? More and more people are turning to natural medicine to evade illnesses and diseases. Additionally, natural remedies to enable the body to undergo self-healing are popular because of the lack of side effects. Naturopathic medicine also covers a wide variety of therapies, including massage, herbs, exercise, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling.
Brought to the US in the 1800s from Germany where it came about, natural medicine also has certain treatments which belong to olden centuries. It combines the best of both worlds- traditional and modern science treatments. It is also popular because the goal of this medicine is treating the whole person, this includes spirit, mind, and body. It also heals the root causes of the illness, rather than just eliminating symptoms.
How It Works
Table of Contents
The naturopath doctor spends some hours examining the patient. He then poses deep questions about medical history, levels of stress and habits and lifestyles. Lab tests may also be ordered. Post this, personal health plans are discussed, Naturopathic medicine or natural medicine focuses on not just treatment, but prevention and education as well. So the doctor can provide diet, exercise or stress handling methods. Complementary medicines like herbal medication, homeopathy and acupuncture may be used as well. Massage or acupressure and the healing power of touch may also be used. The aim is to create balance in the body. This is known as naturopathic manipulative therapy.
How is it Practiced?
Photo by: Max Pixel/ CC BYThe naturopath doctor is just one of the natural medicine practitioners in community centers, private offices, clinics, and hospitals. Naturopathic doctors or physicians are also known as NMD or doctors of naturopathic medicine. These doctors complete 4 years of graduate level studies. Apart from learning the same basic and fundamental sciences as conventional doctors, they also study alternative forms of therapy. Also, nutrition, psychology plus complementary therapies like homeopathy and herbal medicine may also be part of natural medicine. NMD may be required to undergo licensing tests in some US states and practice continuing education.
There are also traditional naturopaths. These practitioners do not attend a med school or receive a license. They receive wide and different types of education. Moreover, some medical doctors, dentists, chiropractors, doctors of osteopathy and nurses have training in naturopathic medicine. Many are either studying naturopathy alongside or trained NMD.
The Benefits
Natural Medicine Treats Wide-Ranging Conditions
Natural medicine is used for a wide number of health conditions. Got allergies or a migraine headache? Perhaps you have fertility issues or digestion problems? Even if you are suffering from obesity, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue syndrome or chronic pain, this can offer the relief you are looking for. In some cases, NMD who have received their licenses can even perform minor types of surgeries. This includes stitching up small wounds. They also offer prescriptions for certain medication. They also serve as your primary care doctor. Naturopathic doctors also receive additional training for delivery of babies in a natural childbirth.
Preventive Care or Positive Health Outcomes: Best of Both
You don’t have to be seriously ill to try naturopathy, Overall health can be boosted and illnesses can also be prevented. A preventive approach is key to effectively dealing with problems.
Treatment for Problems Allopathy Can’t Curb
If you are thinking of trying naturopathy, ensure treatments remain safe and don’t interact with drugs taken. The conventional medical care should not be stopped or delayed because of naturopathy. But natural medicine remains a good option for those who may not find chronic illnesses cured through usual medications.
Excellent Complementary Therapy
In different cases, conventional and naturopathic medicine can be used for treating illness. Naturopathic remedies ease the impact of radiation or chemotherapy. You need to tell your doctor about natural medicines you are on when you are complementing it with conventional therapy. This may not work out to be a good option for those who need relief for chronic illness through traditional medications. In different cases, conventional and naturopathic medicine can be used for curing the illness. Side effects of chemotherapy can be eased using these remedies. Telling the regular doctor about naturopathic treatments and conventional medications to the NMD is a must. Both providers work as a team for good health.
Naturopaths receive Extensive Training
Naturopathy doctors are trained as general practitioners specializing in natural medicine. They cooperate with other branches of sciences for diagnosing and treating the patient. Note a degree in natural medicine requires medical training in a host of subjects. This includes conventional medical topics like cardiology, immunology, biochemistry gynecology, pediatrics, pharmacology pathology, and neurology. Along with standard medical curriculum, naturopathy students who qualify as NMD do considerable coursework in natural therapeutics. This ranges across therapies from botanical sciences to homeopathy, physical medicine, clinical nutrition, exercise therapy. hydrotherapy and lifestyle counseling apart from herbs.
Key Principles of Naturopathy
Photo by: Cenzi/ CC BYThe healing power of nature is the key. The human body has an inner ability to restore and maintain good health. NMD doctors facilitate the process of healing by removing blocks to cure and identify problems to improve the chances of healing.
Principle #1: Treating the Root Cause of the Disease
Identification and treatment of underlying illnesses rather than disease symptoms is one of the other benefits of naturopathy. Symptoms manifest imbalance due to a blend of mental, physical or emotional causes. Symptom management is important, but the root cause must be considered.
Principle #2: Use of Gentle Treatment
A naturopathic treatment plan uses gentle, effective and non-invasive therapies. It does not have any side effects. Conscious efforts are made to try methods that do not suppress symptoms but actually treat them.
Principle #3: Teach Patients to Care for Themselves
The Latin meaning of doctor is “teacher” or docere. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, attitude and approach, patients can rid themselves of illness. The doctor essentially teaches them to take responsibility for their own health It’s like Thomas Edison said – the doctor of the future provides no medicine for treatment, rather focusing on maintenance of human frame, diet and disease prevention. The naturopathic doctor focuses on teaching rather than treating patients.
Principle #4: Treat The Whole Person
Naturopathy physicians locate dysfunctions or specific weaknesses in patients and tailor treatment based on the individual presentation of the patient. The patient may be in need of treatment, not just tackling symptoms or disease states.
Principle #5: Prevention is Better than Cure
It also serves to be easier and cheaper to prevent rather than treat a disease. Naturopathic physicians study the tendency of patients to develop the disease, for which they use objective and subjective diagnosis. Specific lifestyle techniques or nutritional supplements also serve to offer disease prevention.
How Does Naturopathic Medicine Benefit Health and Well Being
Naturopathic physicians are successful in treating conditions that are chronic and do not respond to conventional or usual forms of medicine. This includes, but is not restricted to pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and digestion problems. One is able to respond to individual patients’ needs and develop a treatment plan including nutritional supplements, diet therapy, and botanical medicine.
Trained in the art of healing, it dispenses herbal remedies or nutritional supplements. For understanding the context of illness of a patient, physicians must make the effort to actively listen to patient stories. Effective naturopathy treatment requires excellent communication and patience. Most patients need to know what is wrong and need to be done but how this translates into an action plan is important. Naturopathy physicians can allocate priorities among options that emerge. This involves taking the time to answer questions of patients.
While conventional healthcare revolves around evidence-based medicine, it also supports naturopathic medicine. The basic essence of the evidence-based mechanism is a randomized trial which is controlled and focuses on evaluating single treatments for individual diseases. Random, control trials indicate that naturopathy treatments like botanical medicine, nutritional therapies, physiotherapy, and acupuncture can be effective. Specifically, these therapies work for treating conditions like migraine headaches, depression, fibromyalgia, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and hypertension.
NMD also includes patient preferences and clinical experience. Riboflavin or vitamin B has been shown to reduce migraines for example. So, NMDs will use it as part of the treatment plan, along with other methods as part of their expertise. Naturopathic medicine is personalized and does not lend itself to adherence for treatment based on random controls only. It is critical to test the value of individual treatments, but clinical applications are complex.
What The Treatment Entails
The first appointment with a naturopathic doctor tends to be more extended than a conventional clinic visit. It can last between 60 and 120 minutes. Patients also complete extensive documentation to guide the naturopathic physician at the time of the interview. The patient’s symptoms and narrative are important. But NMDs also use lab tests and other objective data combining with the patient’s narrative to assess which treatment is most effective. The naturopathy doctor works to find the best fit. Follow-up visits are vital for assessing the way plans fit and how to make the necessary changes.
The US based-American Association of Naturopathy is the most well-known organization for treatment. Local health food stores are also a good place to locate naturopathic physicians. For those who may think of reflexology or acupressure, popular natural medicine therapies are making their way into the mainstream. Alternative therapy is not a standard as per Western medical practices, but naturopathy has been followed for a long time in the Oriental countries. Apart from alternative and complementary therapies, diet and lifestyle changes are also part of natural medicine.
Specifically naturopathic or natural medicine is also offered by licensed physicians. It primarily focuses on diagnosis, treatment as well as prevention of human disorders through natural materials and methods. These include herbal, homeopathic, Ayurveda, TCM or even clinical nutrition.
Naturopathic medicine considers fundamental health concepts like emotional predisposition, biochemistry, and biomechanics. This leads to the restoration of good health. This empowers the patient to start caring for his or her health. Safe, cost-efficient and innovative, natural medicine is as effective as allopathic medication, if not more. Natural medicine originated with the use of herbs and foods for medical purposes. These techniques have been respected over the world and natural medicine gained prominence in the twenty-first century. Herbal, as well as traditional medical arts, remained the choice for over 65% of humanity. One of the pioneers of natural medicine in America was German immigrant Benedict Lust. He was inspired by the Nature Cure movement well known in the EU. Hydrotherapy soon became a healing agent to restore health. The first School of Naturopathic medicine was also formed in NY by him. Across America, the movement gained momentum. The first American state to offer official recognition to this school of medicine in the 1920s was Oregon.
Being able to innately heal themselves, living things have a natural tendency for naturopathic medicine. Self-healing is based on focusing on immune, hormonal, nervous and detox or eliminating systems of the body. Once systems are in balance, a probability is restored health. Holistically treating their patients, naturopaths consider the biochemistry, emotional predispositions, and biomechanics of individuals. The self-healing ability of the body can be understood when homeostasis or biological balance is considered. In fact, it is the main characteristic of a healthy system.
When there is an invasion by a disease-causing pathogen, fever results. It is essentially an attempt to ward off the germs. In case food and rest are adequate and supportive, it aids the immunity system and permits healthy recovery. Research shows that the immune system, nervous system, hormonal system, and elimination pathways work to ensure effective survival. If provided effective support, care and a chance to function without any suppression, the system comes back into a state of ease or balance.
No magic bullets or panaceas are there. Each person with an individual set of reactions and symptoms approaches the naturopathic doctor who then decides to take the call. The individualized treatment protocol is decided on the basis of this. Naturopathic treatment is a primary medical care system or a complementary adjunct to normal treatment. Natural medicine aims to optimize wellness for every patient. It allows principles of ideal health. Eventually, prevention is the ultimate intention. Not disease management but wellness enhancement is the key here.
Treatment Types Offered by Naturopathic Doctors
Clinical Nutrition
Photo by: Cenzi/ CC BYThe dynamic links between nutrition and disease are known. Most conditions change if the diet transforms the body. This includes proper nutrient supplementation. In many wellness or disease cases, nutritional counseling and support form the core of naturopathy.
Phytotherapy
This is a branch of naturopathy also known as botanical medicine. It is the cornerstone of traditional medication long before synthetic pharmaceuticals. Many recent drugs are derived from medicinal plants. Modern scientific studies have substantiated the early usage of medical plants and have found the means to treat modern symptoms and diseases. WHO has also encouraged herbal medicine programs, more so in emerging economies as a means of providing cost-effective healthcare and creating agricultural markets here. Herbs are associated with low toxic levels and lack of bodily accumulation. When selected effectively, these medicines offer a safe, powerful and effective approach to curing, with a lower amount of side effects.
Homeopathy
Photo by: Max Pixel/ CC BYThis is a holistic form of treatment integrated into naturopathy. Close to a majority of homeopathic medicines are sourced from natural plants, animals, and minerals. Successful homeopathic treatment has been recognized in countries all over the world, including Germany, France, India, UK, Australia, Latin America, and North America. TCM and herbal medicine are often confused with homeopathy. In fact, they are different systems of holistic medicine.
Homeopathy was developed by 18th-century chemist and physician from Germany, Samuel Hahnemann. The MD doctor diagnosed that quinine when taken by healthy people, produced symptomatology akin to those stricken with malaria. This occurred with other medicines too. Substances specific for certain illnesses cure or aid the human body, as they produce symptoms similar to the disease process they are employed to treat. This leads to the stimulation of the vital force for resolving the disease. Exact mechanisms associated with this phenomenon are as unknown today as they were then. This is known as the Principle of Similar.
Do note that homeopathy is not the same as immunization principles. These use substances that cause the same disease, but not similar symptoms. Immunization is associated with isopathy. It involves ingesting a substance known to cause the exact disease in question. Additionally, immunization is associated with immunological bases. Production of certain cells such as T memory cells is central to the immunization process. On the other hand, the principles behind homeopathy are still unknown. Several models explain it, but none are adequate. Homeopathic medicines would be related to the symptom and not the disease under treatment in most cases. The practitioner finds substances displaying similar symptoms to that of the physical or emotional state of the patient. This is nontoxic therapy and can be used with ease in younger patients (babies and children) as well as pregnant women.
Hahnemann also noted that post-treatment, patient conditions worsened for some period of time before improving. This is known as aggravation. Through systematic experimentation, he learned that the process could be avoided through dilution of the medicine. When used in the context of homeopathy. substances in high diseases can cause similar symptoms to that of the disease in question, dilution works better than full strength medication. This was formulated by Hahnemann as the principle of Infinitesimal Dose. Surprisingly small quantities of active ingredients in remedies resulted in treatments free from contraindications and also increased their impact.
But bear in mind, that naturopaths also use other forms of treatment in conjunction with homeopathy. Naturopath doctors must also complete three years of university training once their 4-year residential med school training in Naturopathic Medicine comes about.
Homeopathy functions on the basis of treatment of like with like. Substances that cause adverse reactions in massive dosages can be used in small amounts to treat the same symptoms. The aim is to present the diluted substance in liquid or tablet form to kick-start natural systems of healing. Homeopathy, in fact, is found by researchers to be more effective than placebos. When used by an NMD, it is based on the healing power of nature. Naturopathic doctors are treated in numerous techniques including nutrition, herbal medicine, behavioral changes, homeopathy, and acupuncture. It involves a lot of therapies, not just one. For this reason, clinical testing of the outcomes of naturopathy is harder. But many studies have found positive results for this school of medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine/TCM
Photo by: PX Here/ CC BYDiagnosis by examining the tongue and the pulse, acupuncture and Chinese herbs and nutrition are some of the practices associated with TCM. Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back to around 3 thousand years. It was only introduced to North America during the turn of the century. TCM has become a respectable alternative therapy in the developed countries during the past 10 years.
A TCM diagnosis is a holistic form of therapy. Practitioners trained in Traditional Chinese medicine study the tongue and wrist pulse rate. These two are among other areas examined to assess the constitution of the patient. The findings also reveal the form of treatment needed.
Acupuncture
This is a form of TCM that involves the insertion of fine needles through the skin and tissue at specific parts of the body through points. No substances are injected into the body. The treatment causes slight discomfort. But acupuncture has been found to impact various painful disorders that are acute and chronic effects. WHO drew up the group of disorders which can be treated through acupuncture based on clinical experience. These are:
Digestive Conditions
Digestive disorders like hyperacidity, gastritis, spastic bowel, diarrhea, and constipation can be treated using acupuncture.
Respiratory Disorders
These range across sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis.
Neurological and Muscular Disorders
These include a headache, frozen shoulder, neck and back pain, neuralgia, tennis elbow, arthritis, and sciatica.
Other Medical Conditions
These include reproductive, menstrual and urinary disorders. There’s also addiction and substance abuse on the list. Sleep disorders and conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea are also curable through acupuncture.
As per Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works on an effective substance constituting the human body and enables it to support life functions and activities. These substances are called Chi or Qi. Acupuncture, according to Western scientists, works in specific situations to stimulate the body to produce natural pain relieving hormones endorphins. These block the pain pathways and prevent the transmission of pain messages. The consequence of this treatment is relief from pain, general relaxation, and restoration of the internal regulatory systems.
As per TCM, acupuncture works due to essential substances that make up the human body and enable it to sustain life functions and activities. The release of endorphins due to acupuncture promotes general relaxation and restores the own internal regulatory system of the human body.
While acupressure brings needles to mind, this term describes an array of procedures stimulating specific body points. The best-known variety comprises penetration of the skin with thin needles controlled by practitioners or electrical stimulation and is used by many Americans each year. Apart from its popularity, the controversy over acupuncture efficacy grows. Certain studies also find it useful for chronic depression and pain. Evidence for this treatment method is mixed though.
This traditional Chinese medicine technique uses needles to stimulate specific body points. To perform this therapy, acupuncturists insert thin needles which have been sterilized into the skin. The goal is to enable the body’s natural healing process to kick in. Studies show acupuncture can treat a number of conditions, like back and neck pain, depression, anxiety, infertility, insomnia, and nausea.
Bodywork Therapy
This is a branch of natural medicine which is also called naturopathic manipulation. Bodywork uses systematic movements for healing neurological and muscular conditions. Bone alignment manipulation is used, akin to chiropractic and osteopathic adjustments. A technique, in particular, strain – counter strain is useful for healing injuries on the upper back and neck and warding off pain gently and effectively.
Acupressure
An allied practice like acupuncture is acupressure. The only difference between this and acupuncture is the absence of needles in this form of therapy. Acupressure experts use different parts of the body like elbows, feet, and hands to exert pressure on body points along the meridians. As per the theory behind acupressure, meridians are channels carrying life energy across the body. Illnesses, according to this therapy’s reasoning, can take place, when meridians are blocked or imbalanced. Acupressure relieves blockages for the free flow of energy. This restores wellness. While more research is needed, pilot studies have discovered positive results, Acupressure also decreases nausea for chemo patients and lowers pre-surgery anxiety levels.
Chiropractic Medicine
Chiropractors focus on the structure of the body, specifically the spine and the way it functions. Skilled professionals, chiropractors use various techniques to adjust or manipulate the spine or other different parts of the body, so as to treat and restore the body to its proper form and alignment. Chiropractic medicines ease the pain, improve bodily functions and enable the body to naturally heal.
Most research has focused on lower back pain. However, studies show chiropractic can be helpful for ailments like joint problems, neck pain, headaches in the lower and upper parts of the human body. Disorders caused by whiplash are also healed through this form of naturopathy. While chiropractics are acceptable to the medical community, this qualifies as complementary medicine rather than alternative ones. Practice focuses on spinal manipulation or use of controlled force to ensure joints become hypo-mobile. The aim is joint movements become restricted while surrounding tissues are injured through events or RSI. Adjustments to the affected areas restore mobility and loosen muscles, permitting tissues to heal and resolve pain. Studies of chiropractic generally affirm efficacy with practice decreasing pain and improving physical functioning.
Energy Therapies
These focus on different energy fields believed to exist within and around the body.
#1 Magnetic Field Therapy
This treatment uses magnetic or electrical fields for treating numerous musculoskeletal problems. Studies demonstrate that it can work for a wide range of pain conditions such as osteoarthritis. It also helps fractures to heal more quickly. Magnetic field therapy is not safe in the event of pregnancy though. It is also not allowed for those with pacemakers, implanted devices, insulin pumps or those given drug patches. This practice aims to tap the body’s natural energy and speeds up healing. The practitioner places the hands over the body lightly or moves them above the skin. The aim is to channel energy through the hands to promote natural healing. Less research is there in support of this form of therapy.
#2 Therapeutic Touch
Healing/Therapeutic Touch involves the use of healing energies for identifying and repairing imbalances in the energy field of the person. But unlike Reiki, there is no actual contact involved. The healing touch is found to lower anxiety and increase well being in cancer patients.
Herbal Medicines
Photo by: PX Here/ CC BYThis alternative or natural medicine branch uses plant parts to heal the body. Natural herbs specifically their berries, roots, leaves or flowers are used for curing health conditions. As per the WHO, close to eighty percent of people across the globe use herbal medicine. Certain herbs are effective in treating numerous health issues like allergies, chronic fatigue or menstrual issues.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system. It originated more than 3,000 years ago and is widely used in the country even now. Those who rely on special diets, herbs and unique practices to cue illnesses follow this system. However, research has yet to identify if Ayurveda works. Some studies even found toxic minerals or metals like lead in the products. However, this ancient form of therapy is great for restoring health and wellness, provided a qualified practitioner is consulted.
A variety of techniques are there in Ayurveda. This includes specialized diets, massage, and herbs. The aim is to strike a balance between the mind, spirit, and body to ensure complete wellness. Few studies on Ayurveda exist presently. This is because this method of natural medicine uses a lot of different treatment types.
Aromatherapy
This form of naturopathy uses essential oils to promote healing. Specifically, concentrated extracts are taken from leaves, seeds, blossoms or roots of plants. The aim is to promote healing by infusing the air with healing herbs. Oils can not just be inhaled, but also massaged or even taken through the mouth. Each has specific properties. Some use it to treat inflammation or infections while others promote relaxation through it. Studies indicate aromatherapy can lower anxiety, pain, and depression. But more research is needed to determine its uses and advantages,
Hydrotherapy/Balneotherapy
Balneotherapy or hydrotherapy as it is also called involves the use of water for therapeutic purposes. It dates back to 1700 BC. It is associated with the idea that water impacts the skin favorably and treats a wide range of conditions from swelling to anxiety, acne, and pain. Douches, wraps, and mud-backs are used to restore the balance of the body. This therapy found that water boosts the immunity of people through research on hydrotherapy remains conclusive.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback techniques permit people to control processes that generally take place involuntarily. This includes blood pressure, skin temperature, muscle tension, and blood pressure. The aim is to improve conditions like hypertension, migraine or even chronic pain. Patients work with a biofeedback therapist to assess the impact of relaxation techniques and mental exercises. In early sessions, electrodes are attached to measure bodily states. Eventually, the techniques can be used sans therapist or requirement. Lots of research suggests biofeedback works. Researchers are not sure why. Relaxation is the core feature as most who benefit suffer from conditions caused or linked to stress.
Reflexology
This involves the application of pressure to certain areas such as the hands, feet or ears. These points correspond to different bodily organs and systems. This causes pressure, positively impacting the organs and the overall health of the person. For instance, applying pressure to an arch of the foot benefits bladder functions. People can either apply reflexology n their self or take the help of a qualified reflexology expert. Scores of patients across the world use this therapy along with conventional treatment for a host of medical conditions like asthma, kidney problems, cancer, diabetes, and anxiety. Studies have discovered that reflexology can improve respiratory function in cancer patients, lowering fatigue and enhancing the quality of sleep. Other studies provide mixed findings.
Lifestyle Counseling
Lifestyle modification/lifestyle counseling is the essence of naturopathic philosophy that aims at preventing ill health and taking responsibility for one’s own health. Naturopathic treatments are based on assessing risk factors in accordance with the diet, environment, and lifestyle of the patient. Each factor is considered while drawing up treatment plans. The aim is to remove obstacles to the patient’s own state of health.
What A NMD/ Naturopathy Doctor Offers
Photo by: Cenzi/ CC BYOnce the history of a patient has been taken, the naturopath screens the individuals physically. This is a standard physical exam supplemented by in-depth questions and lab tests or diagnostic imaging may also be ordered. Once screening is complete, the natural medical practitioner discusses the treatment plan/protocol with patients. Patients are also referred for lab or diagnostic tests or to their medical doctor for consultation. Follow-ups are scheduled from 1-4 weeks after treatment commences. In case chronic illness is being addressed, one month of treatment for every year of sickness can be expected.
There are numerous medical conditions naturopathic doctors treat, alone or in combination with other complementary or usual medical treatments. These range across acute conditions like sore throats, headaches, GI tract problems, cold and flu. For chronic conditions like gynecological or heart disease, arthritis or migraines, naturopathy can also be used.
The aim is to prevent the disease from progressing and reduce the impact of mental and emotional problems along with personal injury and trauma. Specifically, the naturopath works to stimulate and support the patient’s system to address imbalances and restore health. Nutritional excesses or deficiencies are also treated. The aim is to let the body reassert natural health states.
This is a distinct system of health care that focuses on self-healing and prevention. The aim is to use natural therapies. Natural medicine may have originated in the 19th century, but there is a resurgence in these forms of therapy in recent times. As a consequence of growing consumer movements to focus on prevention, respect, and wellness for the ability of nature to heal the body, natural medicine has caught on. NMD blends centuries of ancient know-how with a philosophy that natural healing works best.
Naturopathic doctors focus on locating the disease cause. Evidence for this field of treatment is drawn from peer-reviewed journals across different disciplines like natural medicine, complementary medicine, alternative therapies, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, psychology, homeopathy, and even spirituality apart from conventional or traditional medicine. Therapeutic modalities used in this form of medicine use the empirical and scientific methods in conjunction with an emphasis on a natural cure.
Essentially, naturopathic medicine is based on beliefs that bodies heal themselves, health can be improved through prevention and nutrition, exercise, as well as lifestyle modification, can benefit the body. Treatment types under this form of medicine complement conventional medical systems. Essentially, the body regulates itself using natural healing processes. Natural medicine only facilitates the process.
Conclusion
So, opt for natural medicine as it can treat a wide range of medical conditions effectively, ranging from the acute to the chronic. Incorporating ancient therapies dating back to thousands of years as well as most modern treatment methods, natural medicine is a unique combination of the old and the new. It helps in a wide range of medical conditions and taps the own natural healing processes of the body, plants, herbs, nutrition, exercise, and bodywork to bring about positive wellness outcomes.