Naturopathy
Naturopathy questions and answers
Learn more about Naturopathy at Diet & Health.net.
Q: Naturopathy?
What are your opinions about naturopathic doctors? I would love to go through the process and perhaps become one. I'm not a fan of the M.D process, and would feel partially as a tool to the big pharmaceuticals instead of finding the cause and fixing it-not covering up the symptoms. Nutrition/dietetics and homeopathy is the areas I am interested within it. I feel I would love Naturopathy, but you never know.Thanks.
A: Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care. What makes naturopathy different is the principals on which the practice is based. NDs are licensed professionals with 4 years of post-graduate doctoral education in medical diagnosis and treatment.
Historical background
Naturopathic medicine is a form of medicine that has been in the United States for more 100 years. It's actually an American tradition!
In the early 1900s there were more than 10,000 practitioners and over 20 naturopathic medical colleges.
Principles:-
The Healing Power of Nature - Vis Medicatrix Naturae. NDs work to facilitate and augment the inherent, intelligent self-healing process in every person.
Identify and treat the Causes - Tolle Causam. Naturopathic physicians seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm - Primum Non Nocere. Naturopathic doctors follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient
Using the least invasive or harmful methods necessary to diagnose and treat patients.
Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms
Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual's self-healing process
Doctor as Teacher - Docere. NDs emphasize education of all options and encourage self-responsibility for health.
Treat the Whole Person - Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, genetic, environmental and social factors. Encouraging patients to pursue their own spiritual development is another facet of total health.
Prevention - NDs recognize the importance of disease prevention through exploring heredity, risk factors and susceptibility to disease. Appropriate interventions are the key to creating and maintaining optimal health.
Hippocrates became famous for his treatment of disease in accordance with natural laws. In fact, although Hippocrates is called the Father of Medicine, modern medical science completely ignores the self-evident laws of health laid down by him, which state:
Only nature heals, providing it is given the opportunity.
Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food.
Disease is an expression of purification.
All disease is one.
Do no harm
Naturopaths do not use harmful, artificial substances such as drugs and pharmaceuticals; nor do they use invasive and dangerous procedures such as surgery.
Work with the healing power of nature
Naturopaths understand the body's innate capacity for self-healing. They educate clients in creating external and internal environments conducive to healing.
Find and eliminate the cause of poor health
Naturopaths help clients evaluate their lifestyle choices in order to identify both the cause of a problem and how it is best corrected.
Teach health
Naturopaths teach clients how to achieve and maintain good health. They empower their clients, enabling them to participate fully in the process of staying well.
Honor the total person
Naturopaths understand that people are interconnected physical, mental, and spiritual beings, and that one disease affects all areas of life.
Dis-ease Prevention
By teaching patients how to create and maintain a healthy balance, naturopaths help others achieve future health.
I hope this answers the doctor's comments.
Q: Why are people bashing naturopathy? What is so wrong with wanting to heal naturally instead of with drugs?
A lot of people myself included are sick of being sick from the drugs that doctors prescribe that make us sicker than an illness ever could. So I want to know why so many people are against naturopathy?
A: I guess it's human nature for people to bash things that they are ignorant about. It seems the less they know, the louder they bash. For unknown reasons, because a Doctor tells them to, they put unnecessary chemicals into their bodies and don't even ask questions....The Doctor said so. Well, certain medications are indeed necessary for some illnesses and injuries, but it really blows my mind that people just blindly trust what the Doctor tells them. Yet Doctors, Herbalists, Nutritionists and Pharmacists are called Quacks if they prescribe medically validated alternative medicine.
I think one of the main problems is self-diagnosis, or misdiagnosis when it comes to herbal treatments. People can and do do a lot of damage to themselves if they have not done their homework. But on the flip side of that coin, I have lost 2 family members due to misdiagnosis from the medical profession, and one who is going down now due to over medicating for diabetes and it's related symptoms.
I will continue with alternative medicine as I have done my homework and have seen results not possible with pharmaceuticals.
Q: What is the difference between homeopathy and naturopathy?
Some stupid guys I just talked to said his clinic only uses Homeopathic products. Our product is a Naturopathic, and I didn't know how to explain that the difference was menial, if any.
I could really use some insight on this... any help is welcome.
A: Homeopathy:
a. A Homeopath uses homeopathic medicine as the primary treatment for illness.
Homeopathy is a complete medicine – it can treat a wide variety of conditions from
nosebleeds, skin conditions, stiff neck muscles, digestive problems and chronic pain
to depression.
b. Homeopathic medicine is different from herbal medicines or mineral supplements.
Homeopathic medicines are made from very small quantities of plant, mineral or
animal substances.
c. Homeopathic medicines are non-toxic and safe for babies and during pregnancy.
d. Full treatment homeopathy looks for one medicine to treat all of the patients’
problems. If you have headaches, constipation, chronic sinusitis, joint pain,
depression and eczema, one homeopathic remedy will be prescribed to treat all of
these problems. The medicine can cost as little as $7 for 1 year of therapy.
Naturopathy:
a. A Naturopath has some knowledge about a lot of natural therapies. Many of the
therapies that a naturopath has a general understanding of (e.g. Western
Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nutrition, Acupuncture and Homeopathy)
can also be studied exclusively as specialties for up to 4 years each. To become a
specialist in each of the therapies listed above would require 15-20 years of training
and an equal number of years in practical experience. Naturopaths generally focus
on Western herbalism or botanical medicine.
b. Naturopathic medicine depends on the therapy the naturopath chooses – most often
this includes herbal medicine, botanical medicine and supplements (vitamins,
minerals, enzymes …)
c. Herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals and enzymes are not always safe for children
or during pregnancy. Dosages and quantities need to be closely monitored by a
professional.
d. Western herbalism is similar to Western medicine – you get one or more medicines
for each problem you have. Western herbalism substitutes medicines listed above
for pharmaceutical drugs. For instance, if you have liver problems you may be
given Milk Thistle, if you have joint pain you might get Glucosamine Sulfate, if you
have headaches you may get White Willow Bark. With this approach costs escalate
with the number of health problems that need to be treated. Each bottle costs an
average of $20 per month.
Q: What is the difference between holistic healing and naturopathy?
After I receive my bachelor's degree at my university, I would like to go into alternative medicine. I am interested in looking at the whole person which includes mind, spirit, and the body. I also would like to help build people's health to prevent diseases, learn about herbs, and teach others about mediation and exercise.
A: The holistic approach to medicine, simply put, is a way of treating the patient as a whole. In other words, when a patient presents with symptoms of an underlying disease, all aspects of the person's health are considered in the diagnosis and treatment. This means the various physical, psychological, and spiritual processes are considered in the treatment.
Naturopathic medicine is a science based medicine which incorporates the following principles into its philosophy (including a holistic approach).
The Healing Power of Nature
Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.
Identify and Treat the Causes
Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.
First Do No Harm
Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.
Doctor as Teacher
Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.
Treat the Whole Person
View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.
Prevention
Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.
In the United States, there are currently 4 accredited colleges of Naturopathic medicine which offer a 4 year course of study ultimately leading to a professional degree of Doctor of Naturopathic medicine.
Q: Naturopathy can cure cancer,aids & other serious desease but why authorities do not care?
I am a naturopathy doctor of Energy Healing (Japan) & Nepalese Himalayan herbs & can cure aids,cancer,daebets but I am getting very ill resonse. All alopathy, Ayurveda & homopathy literature clame these deseases as uncurable but people still taking treatmant from them why?
A: Because no one in the naturopathic world takes the time to document evidence and present it to the world to support their claim. Please provide your documented studies that show how many patients with these diseases survived . . and how many died and from what cause. At least so called 'alopathy (made up word by naturopathics) documents what happens to their patients through verifiable studies . . and even though it is unpopular . . they tell it like it is . . that patients die from these diseases and that there isn't a 'cure'.
Q: How much opportunity would a person who chooses to be a naturopathy have in the area in and around New York?
I know that things are generally very competitive and people are often given more chances based on race and people's prejudices (I am a caucasian female)
A: Normally a great chance. But with jobs hard to find it might take a while longer.
Q: Are you interested in or would you use naturopathy, homeopathy or massage therapy to help your pet?
in addition to vet consultation?
I dont believe that homeopathy is a placebo. As a human I have had homeopathy treatments that work.
A: Most definitely. I've been using holistics on my cats, dogs, and rats for over 30 years now. Holistics allowed my horse with founder to live an extra 20 years, and my dog with cancer to live 2 more years when the vets gave him only 2 months to live. I've seen amazing results with using homeopathics on rats.
This interest led me to focus my attention on holistics for Pet Rats and in 2002 I formed the group Holistarat.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/holistarat
Of course in consultation with an allopathic veterinarian, if the vet was open minded. Many are not.
spazrats
"my life has gone to the Rats"
Q: How much money is there in naturopathy?
I'm not quite sure which field I want to apply for, next year, but I'm looking for something in the Natural Medicine field.
A: It depends on where you want to ultimately practice. Acupuncture seems to be the most accepted and researched field in "Natural" Medicine. N.D.'s are only licensed in about 13 states at this time and D.C.'s have the highest default rate on their student loans among all health care professionals.
Q: Could someone clarify things about naturopathy, being an herbalist, and homeopathy please?
I have recently become interested in these different areas, but have little knowledge. I may one day like to take classes and such but I do not know what each area consists of and about licensure and requirements too.
A: I am currently a 2nd year student at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona. You can find a wealth of information about the profession on this website http://www.naturopathic.org/
In the USA there is no national licensure for naturopathic physicians (ND's), instead it is per state. Currently I believe there are 15 states that offer licensure for ND's and this number grows every year. The schooling is a 4 year medical program at an accredited college of Naturopathic medicine. There are 4 of these schools in the USA (SCNM, NCNM, Bastyr, Bridgeport). This is medical school and the degree is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. I hope this helps.
Q: How I take naturopathy for burning sensation in urine vain?
I have burning sensation in penis vain, This sensation is comming frm Left side of neck to next from lower back left side next to left testies & in penis vain also, It is more panining after intercourse, When I do sonogaphy then all reports are cleared. Pl. suggest me best solution
A: this may not be the answer you are looking for but sounds like you are having Varicocele. Wiki shows the similar symptom you are having. If so, then you really need to see your Doc soon.
Q: What exactly is the difference between naturopathy & homeopathy?
A: Homeopathy is a medical system based on the idea that "like cures like". Remedies are created by serial dilution and energising so that the original substance is completely reduced to an energetic level. It is safe, rapid, gentle and effective.
Naturopathy is the practice of natural (ie. non-drug/surgery) medicine. Naturopaths use nutrition, herbs, massage and some use homeopathy. However, not to the degree a professional homeopath does.
Q: Has anyone taken the Herbal Healer Naturopathy Course?
I am considering taking the course but wanted to make sure it was a good one. It's considerably cheaper than others but that might be a bad sign. Has anyone heard about it?
A: That is the course that I am taking.
I did a lot of research before I did. It is accredited by all licensing boards.
I started off with Clayton College, but found Herbal Healer to be much better. It is very hands on, and the herbology course has been loads of fun.
After the 5th or 6th herbology course, I was making my own salves and selling them through an herbal store where I live.
I love it!
Q: What are your thoughts on the career choice of naturopathy? And tell me why you have that opinion.?
So that I know at what point of view your coming from, tell me your career and any experiences you've had with naturopathies
And I live in the new york metropolitan area
A: I am a naturopath. I am very happy to have chosen this field. I see my job as largely one of educating patients and the public about ways to stay healthy and get healthier instead of just the pill-pushing I would be doing as an MD. Where I live, the field is regulated and one must complete a rigorous course of study including mostly the same course of study of regular medicine that and MD must complete with the addition of studies in herbal medicine and aromatherapy and hydrotherapy and more.
The major difference between my practice than that of the local MD is that my patients want to know how they can change what they are doing to get healthier and most of the patients at the local health clinics want to get a pill to solve their problems while continuing the same lifestyle that got them into trouble in the first place.
The local MD certainly knows about prevention and life style [and diet] change just like I do, it's just that his/her patients don't want to hear about it. They'd rather take a pill than change their diet or their lifestyle and so the MDs here are much more frustrated with their patients at times than I am with mine and they cannot experience the feeling of having really helped someone as much as opposed to just treating symptoms until they return again.
Q: How long would I have to go to school after high school to be a naturopathy?
I heard that it takes about 6 or 7 yrs, but is that true? other places I've heard that it takes only 4 years. DOES it take 4 yrs? (I wouldn't have much patience to go longer) And being in New York (long island), where can I go to school for it? Also in school I am on an accelerated track, so I think im gonna get a few college credits....
A: It depends on where you live. You should check out your options in New York. In the country where I live, it is a 4 year course and medical school to become an MD is only a 6 year course, instead of the 8 years or so that it is in the States after high school.
In contrast to what Mr. Skepdoc claims, a degree in naturopathy is a real degree and naturopathic physicians are not people who have taken some little course or who just read some books and believe in all sorts of funny things.
We are trained professionals who learned most of the same medical school courses as any MD with the addition of courses in herbal medicine and aromatherapy and so forth.
Q: How many types of cough?What is the remedy for eachcough? Is there any naturopathy available?
Iam sufferring from cough Iam taking medicines like syrups and tabs but i didnt get relief so what to do?
A: If you have been to the Doctor and they have found no medical reason for your cough and you keep having the cough...the best remedy I have found is 1Tbsp (tablespoon) of liquid calcium right before bed each night...it keeps the body from leaching calcium from the blood at night and triggering the coughing reflex...try it, it works.You will also sleep alot sounder.