LLC

Naturopathy Defined

The word naturopathy comes from Greek and Latin and literally translates as "nature disease."

A core belief in naturopathy is that nature has a healing influence (a principle called vis medicatrix naturae). Another belief is that the human body has the power to sustain or revisit a state of equilibrium and health, and to heal themselves. Practitioners of naturopathy prefer to use treatment methods that they deem to be the most natural and least invasive.

Naturopathy was named and popularized in the United States by Benedict Lust, who was born in Germany in the late 1800s. When Lust became seriously ill with what he believed was tuberculosis, he was treated by a priest and healer in Germany named Sebastian Kneipp. Kneipp's treatment was based on various healing approaches and philosophies that were popular in Europe.

 

KEY PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHY:

FIRST DO NO HARM – keep harmful side effect to a minimum & do not suppress symptoms

TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON -  physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental & social factors.

PROMOTE HEALING POWER OF NATURE – consider environment, nutrition, hydrotherapy, stress

TREAT THE CAUSE – symptoms are a sign of the body trying to heal itself such as fight disease, adapt to it or recover from it.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE – teach healthy living & ways to prevent illness.

 

As a Traditional Naturopath, we emphasize healthy lifestyle choices, strengthening & cleansing the body & non-invasive therapies.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING A TRADITIONAL NATUROPATH:

First visit is usually extended due to health history overview, reason for visit, lifestyle discussion (nutrition, stress, rest & exercise, hydrotherapy, etc.).  Overview of therapeutic options that could include: nutritional changes, nutritional supplements, botanicals, homeopathic remedies, flower essences, aromatherapy for possibilities to consider.

 

NATUROPATHY IS NOT A COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FOR CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL CARE.  There are many instances that emergency medical care is necessary, as a Naturopath educates how to possibly avoid the need for medical intervention. We are responsible for our own body and how to avoid illness or disease.