I will start with a simple question, have you ever used a natural remedy that you got off the internet or from your family? I bet many of you have, it could be to help you through a headache, skin problems, medical conditions, or as simple as aches and pains. Well a term for the use of medical remedies to help the body heal itself, is naturopathy. A more detailed explanation is,” Naturopathic treatment has evolved as a holistic medicine for the human body, which means you will be treated at the mind, body, and spirit level. Your practitioner will work towards healing you from the inside out, not just the symptoms, for which he might sit with you to understand your health history, family history, and lifestyle.” (Don Valley Health and Wellness)
Naturopathy dates back to the 19th century, in Europe, in the movement of Natural Cure. This movement stressed the use of a healthy diet and work. Sending out the message to also avoid tobacco and working a lot.
Folk medicine also plays a big role in naturopathy, which is a traditional method of healing that originates and varies from culture to culture. Many of these are natural remedies and methods made so the body could heal itself from the roots.
There are many types of Naturopathy such as(these are just a few examples) :
- Ayurveda
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Biofeedback
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture
- Diet-based therapies
- Chinese medicine
Naturopathy has a few basic principles:
- Sunlight
- Freshwater
- Exercise
- Stress Management
- Diet
As you might have noticed that naturopathic doctors use natural remedies and methods to cure the illness and prevent it from the root. Help the whole body self-heal. While medical doctors focus on how to treat the illness. There is a slight difference between the two. The difference is mostly in what they treat, and in some ways how they treat.
Talking of treatment, naturopathy can’t cure anything. As it is a therapy you take alongside others. To be specific it is not a treatment for a specific illness, that’s why it is a complementary treatment in most cases.
Resources:
- Naturopathy – Better Health Channel
- Definition of Naturopathy – आयुष मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार
- Naturopathy as an alternative medicine: facts and benefits.
- Naturopathic Doctors Vs Medical Doctors
- Here is a website that will give you more insight: Naturopathy | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing
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