WHAT IS NATUROPATHY?

 

 

Naturopathy is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of diseases are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body and unhealthy lifestyle.

 

Naturopathy emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity. Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, environment and lifestyle factors.

 

In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.

 

In the Philippines, naturopathy is not yet fully accepted and regulated. The Philippine Naturopathic Association Inc. (PNAI) was organized to help naturopathic practitioners in our country to be recognize and standardize by the government. We will also help to develop our very own Filipino Traditional Medicine and to ensure that every member will have a complete knowledge and education according to the government standard.  

 

 

THE SIX GUIDING PRINCIPLES IN NATUROPATHIC PRACTICE

 

1. First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)-Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient:

 

              1) utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects;

              2) avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms;

              3) acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.

 

2. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)-Naturopathic practitioner works to restore and support the powerful and inherent healing ability of the body, mind and spirit and to prevent further disease from occurring. They identify and remove obstacles to recovery, facilitating and augmenting this ordered and intelligent healing ability.

 

3. Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)-The primary goal of naturopathic practitioner is to determine and treat the underlying cause rather than simply managing or suppressing the symptoms. The underlying cause may be due to diet, lifestyle habits, life events, posture or environment. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal.

 

4. Treat the Whole Person-Each person is unique and requires individualized care. In treating the cause of any condition naturopathic practitioner takes into account not only the physical symptoms, but also mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual and other factors. Disease affects the entire person, not just a specific organ or system. The nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, feelings, environmental stresses, and physical health are all carefully evaluated and addressed.

 

5. Doctor as Teacher (Docere)-Naturopaths assist in understanding health and illness. He/she will provide with an understanding of the factors that affect health and help balance and become more capable of maintaining health.

 

6. Disease Prevention and Health Promotion-Naturopath applies all of the above principles in a proactive form of disease prevention and health promotion. They emphasize healthy daily habits; they assess risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and make appropriate interventions to prevent illness.

 

Health is more than just the absence of disease. Health entails daily functioning on the highest possible levels, and is obtained by proper nutrition, exercise, a balanced lifestyle, positive emotions, thoughts and actions. The capacity for optimal wellness or an improved quality of life is inherent in every body.