Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, Like;
- Herbs,
- Massage,
- Acupuncture,
- Exercise,
- Nutritional counseling.
Ayurvedic or Indian Naturopathy has been around for over 3000 years, first mentioned in the Atharv Vedathe ancient texts that map out an entire system of indigenous natural medicine. Naturopathy treatments have seen a resurgence in this modern era across the world.
A number of people today, frustrated with the tenuous cycles of medication and over-medication, see Naturopathy as return to the gentle loving lap of mother nature. Naturopathic treatments are gentle, effective treatments that are completely organic and drug-free.
This system of medicine sees the balancing of five bodily elemental energies i.e.
- Jal -Water
- Vayu – Air
- Akash -Sky
- Agni – Fire
Prithvi (Earth). Together they constitute the Panchamahabhuta – the corporeal energy of life.
Few of the treatments based on Panchamahabhuta:
Earth – Mud baths, Mud packs.
Water – Hydrotherapeutic methods in the form of Baths, Jets, Douches, Packs, Compresses, Immersions .
Air – Breathing exercises, Outdoor walking, Open air baths.
Fire – Sun baths, Thermoleum baths, Magnetised water, Colour charged oils / water.
Ether – Fasting therapy.
The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person — that means mind, body, and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an illness — not just stop the symptoms.
All chronic ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, all the respiratory disorders, orthopedic ailments, neurological conditions, etc can be cured by Naturopathy.
Who Practices It?
You can find people who support naturopathic medicine in hospitals, clinics, community centers, and private offices. They fall into three groups, and they all have different educations and backgrounds:
Naturopathic physicians: These are also called naturopathic doctors (ND) or doctors of naturopathic medicine (NMD). They usually attend an accredited four-year, graduate-level school. They learn the same basic sciences as conventional medical doctors (MD). But they also study nutrition, psychology, and complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy. Some states and territories require naturopathic doctors to become licensed. That means they have to pass an exam to practice and take continuing education classes.
Traditional naturopaths: These practitioners don’t attend an accredited naturopathic medical school or receive a license. Their education varies widely.
Healthcare providers: Some medical doctors, dentists, doctors of osteopathy, chiropractors, and nurses have training in naturopathic medicine. Many are either NDs or they studied naturopathy.
Before choosing a naturopathic practitioner, ask about his education or training and your state’s licensing requirements.
Naturopathic Therapies is used for most health issues. Some of the more common ones include:
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Fertility issues
- Digestive problems
- Obesity
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic pain
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Sleep Disorders
You don’t have to be sick to try naturopathy. You may just want to boost your overall health or prevent an illness.
Other Naturopathic Therapies:
- Oriental healing techniques like Reflexology, Acupressure, Acupuncture and Auriculotherapy.
- Food and Nutrition.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Physiotherapy.
- Chromotherapy.
A few naturopathic treatments have known side effects and risks:
Supplements (vitamin and herbal): Some of these may interfere with prescription medications. In large doses, certain vitamins may raise your risk of a disease like cancer.
Spinal adjustments: As part of naturopathic manipulative treatment, your practitioner may apply pressure to your spine. This can damage arteries, nerves, bones, and spinal discs. In rare cases, it may lead to a stroke.
Detox diets: These treatments are meant to rid your body of toxins. They involve cutting out certain foods or fasting. That means going for periods without eating. This can be dangerous for people with some chronic conditions, like diabetes. If you’re on the diet for a long time, you run the risk of not getting enough vital nutrients.
Tell your doctor if you’re thinking about trying naturopathy. He can make sure the treatments are safe and don’t interact with any other drugs you’re taking. You shouldn’t stop or delay your conventional medical care because of naturopathic medicine.
Naturopathy Can Be a Beneficial Complement to Women’s Health Care
Naturopathy is an alternative medical system based on the body’s ability to heal itself without the use of drugs and with treatment techniques such as herbal supplements, stress reduction, exercise therapy, acupuncture, and dietary and lifestyle changes.
A naturopathic doctor treats each individual patient as a whole, not only assessing physical health but also mental and emotional health, as well as genetic, environmental, and societal factors.
female patients, especially those in their 40s experiencing menopause, have a noted a pattern of multiple obligations and responsibilities taking a toll on their health, and they don’t know how to manage them day-to-day.
“They may be working and they may have a ton of unpaid work, like taking care of family, their mom and dad, grandchildren,” “It’s a lot on the plate for women this age.”
Who Can Use It?
It’s a good option for people who might not find relief for their chronic illness through traditional medicine.
In many cases, you can use both conventional and naturopathic medicine to treat an illness. For example, naturopathic remedies may help ease the side effects of chemotherapy. But remember to tell your regular doctor about any naturopathic treatments you’re on. And, you should tell your naturopathic doctor about your conventional medications. That way, both providers can work as a team for your health.
Caution:
Don’t use it for an emergency or issue that requires a visit to the hospital, like major surgery. Nor should it be used in place of conventional medicine for serious conditions, like cancer and heart disease.