Tag Archives: naturopathy

What Is Natural Medicine – Naturopathy

Healthy Me, , ,

Natural medicine or naturopathic medicine or naturopathy is a distinct system of health care that encompasses various natural healing therapies to treat symptoms as well treat the root cause of the symptoms, and in doing so strengthening the overall body and immune function. Naturopathic medicine is an umbrella term that includes various other natural health modalities such as traditional Chinese medicine,  acupuncture, massage, nutrition and diet counselling,  botanical or herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, among others.

Naturopathic Doctors do place emphasis on getting to the root cause of the problem before treating it, as the only way to really resolve a symptom, is to first get to the cause and then treat it. Naturopathic medicine has been around for centuries, and been addressed as many things, however, it is what our forefathers used to heal their health before allopathic medicine came in.

I quite often get asked the following question: what is the difference between a naturopath and a homeopath or a nutritionist? So here is the answer:

Naturopathic medicine encompasses both homeopathy and nutrition, among other therapies, so when we as naturopaths treat clients, its a more holistic approach based on our length of study and experience. Naturopathic Doctors generally study for up to 8 years (with undergrad studies) and are exposed to various healing modalities in their training, including lots of training in laboratory diagnosis, pathology and pharmacology, along with an internship.

Natural medicine is much more gentle on the body – as it is focused to bringing back the optimum balance of the body, rather than just treating the symptoms, but remember, its important to get good quality help- when seeking out a natural medicine “healer”/ therapist  as opposed to seeing just anyone. Naturopathic Doctors are very well educated in using natural therapeutics for healing and hence are highly sought after.

Need more info?

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Natures Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Why Seek A Naturopathic Doctor?

Healthy Me,

Having seen my share of skeptics in practice, and having read various blogs about so called ” New Age” practitioners and healers, I thought i would write my two cents worth on what sets apart naturopaths from other ” healers”.

NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS are trained not only in pre-med sciences, but also healing therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, herbal or botanical medicine, among others. They also spend time studying pharmacology, about as much time as medical doctors spend in studying nutrition and herbal medicine. Naturopaths usually have an undergrad degree of some sort from a recognized university – be it science, art or computers, business and then usually go on to study another 4 years to practice Naturopathic Medicine.

Lot of other “healers” may or not have rigorous specialized training that naturopathic doctors go through or for that matter, most other healing modalities such as nutrition counseling do not require an undergraduate degree.

Naturopathic training does include extensive pathology and laboratory diagnosis to correctly and accurately diagnose the root of the problem using scientifically accurate and sensitive methods, which are quite often superior to what regular medical labs provide. Hence quite often preventing or catching health issues before they even start to manifest in the body as symptoms.

People quite often seek out naturopathic medicine when they have been failed by the medical system or are not getting the answers they are looking for, in regards to their health, or as a last resort. Naturopathic medicine is a way of life and healing – something that needs to be put in place as a way of thinking when it comes to healing. People need to understand that naturopathic medicine is a way of healing that allows your body to heal naturally, naturopaths may enhance healing using various natural therapies, to bring the body back to balance.

Its is very disappointing to read skeptic or quack blogs – trashing naturopathic doctors or healers, when people do not understand a simple concept – we are not “miracle healers” making ridiculous claims, we are here to help you with your healing and health by providing healthy alternatives, quite often working hand in hand with medical doctors to bring back you back to balance, and treating your health, unlike others. We, as naturopaths, actually take time out to listen to your health issues and try our best to help you heal using the healing power of nature.  So I really think before people say or write ridiculous things about naturopaths, maybe they visit one and see how their health might actually benefit, may be this will open their eyes and mind, and stop writing rubbish and influencing people away from the one thing that might actually help them.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.