Words like "naturopath" and "holistic" may seem like New Age terms, but natural health, or naturopathic medicine, has been been in practice in different cultures for centuries. Today, many natural health practices are considered "alternative" medicine, but throughout history, they were the standard of care.
Features
Naturopaths generally do not perform invasive procedures such as surgeries, injections, blood transfusions and the like. While modern medicine focuses on resolving symptoms, natural health practitioners focus on the whole person, and seek to find the source of the illness.
Types
Naturopathic medicine uses herbs, homeopathic remedies, essential oils and aromatherapy, acupuncture and massage therapy. Meditation and yoga are often incorporated into the treatments, as are dietary suggestions.
Misconceptions
Critics claim that there are few scientific studies which support naturopathic medicine, but some studies do exist (see Resources). Additionally, there is ample empirical evidence that natural health practices have been used successfully for centuries.
Benefits
Most natural therapies are gentle and have few side effects. Many enjoy using herbs, for example, because the side effects tend to be milder than the side effects from prescription drugs. Homeopathic medicines generally have no side effects and also do not interfere with prescription medications. Many find the effects of meditation and yoga very relaxing.
Precautions
Many natural health modalities may be used in conjunction with traditional, or "allopathic," medicine. Always consult a physician or healthcare professional before trying a new herbal supplement, and never discontinue a medication without consulting the prescribing doctor.
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