The overall philosophy of naturopathic medicine varies from traditional medical theory in that it is less invasive with medical treatments and relies more upon the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The overall theme of naturopathic medicine and doctors is to “do no harm” to the patient. This means that naturopathic doctors teach their patients to use diet, exercise, natural therapies and lifestyle change to combat and prevent sickness and disease.
Naturopathic medicine asserts the concept of vitalism, or that a vital force guides a person’s bodily forces such as reproduction, growth and metabolism. Naturopathic doctors prefer to use a holistic approach, believing that a patient’s treatment plan should consist of treating the whole person, including mind, body and spirit. Thus, the least invasive medical procedures possible are used to improve a patient’s condition.
Naturopathic medicine traces its beginnings back to Ancient Greece in around 400 B.C. However, Dr. Benedict Lust is credited as the founder of naturopathy. Lust was a student of Father Kneipp, who practiced a water therapy treatment known as hydrotherapy. Lust came to America from Germany in 1892 and brought the hydrotherapy treatment with him. In 1902, he founded the American School of Naturopathy. In the early 1900’s, various natural medicine theories and techniques were combined into one system, including hydrotherapy, emotional healing, spinal manipulation, botanical and herbal medicines, which all became known as naturopathy.
In the 1920’s and 1930’s, naturopathic medicine was widely supported and practiced in the United States. After the death of Benedict Lust in 1945 and the emergence and dominance of the pharmaceutical industry, naturopathy came under attack and conventional medicine became dominant. During a movement in the 1960’s, Americans rediscovered the benefits of natural medicine and naturopathic treatments reemerged. This occurred because patients demanded access to physicians who used the least invasive medical techniques and treatments possible to restore a patient to health.
There are now many conventional doctors who embrace naturopathic therapies. Naturopathy does not exclude medical intervention and prescription drugs when they are necessary in treatment; it only chooses a less invasive and minimalistic approach in doing so. Naturopathic doctors work with patients to develop a treatment plan that treats the whole person, and determine the patient’s unique biochemistry to form the least invasive treatment plan. If you want more information about the benefits of using naturopathic medicine, make an appointment today to find out what options are available.
