NATUROPATHY
Naturopathy is a term which is applied to the treatment of disease by a range of natural therapies as opposed to surgery, pharmaceuticals, X-rays, chemotherapy etc. A qualified naturopath is versed in therapies such as nutrition, fasting, herbalism, therapeutic massage, iridology and manipulation. The underlying philosophy of naturopathy is that the body is capable of curing itself. One of the basic principles of Hippocrates, the well-known Greek physician known as the ‘Father of Medicine’, was ‘first do no harm’. Naturopathy is built upon this principle, whereby therapy is as non-intrusive as possible. The different therapies are intended to stimulate the healing resources of the body.
Naturopaths believe that the breakdown of the normal balance of the body is the cause of illness. While outside factors such as viruses or bacteria may affect health, it is the lack of resistance in the patient which is the primary problem requiring treatment.
Methods of diagnosis include iridology, analysis of blood and urine, hair diagnosis, and others. The naturopath will also want to know about the diet, sleep patterns, menstrual cycle and bowel activity of the patient. The diagnosis of any problem is more concerned with the reason for disturbances in health than in naming the illness. Like other wholistic practitioners, the naturopath concentrates on the individual patient, rather than on diagnosing a condition which has an associated set of symptoms.
Treatment recommended by a naturopath may include changes to the diet. For example, a patient may be advised not to consume drinks containing caffeine, such as tea and coffee, or to give up alcohol or smoking. Someone who is diagnosed as having an allergy may be told to avoid certain foods such as wheat or dairy products. Sometimes a short fast on water or juice, or a limited range of foods may be prescribed in order to cleanse the system.
Some naturopaths practise therapeutic massage, acupuncture and herbalism.
Many naturopaths in Australia are registered with national organisations such as the Australian Natural Therapists Association, the Australian Traditional Medicine Society and the Complementary Medicine Association. When consulting one of these registered therapists, you may be entitled to rebates if you are covered by a participating health fund.
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