Guide To Naturopathy

What Is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a method of treatment based on the principle that the natural laws of life apply inside the body as well as outside. It uses a range of natural approaches including diet and herbs and encourages exposure to sun and fresh air to maximise the body's natural response. A Naturopath will help to promote the body's ability to restore its own equilibrium on every level, in a natural way. Thus if the body is reacting to a trauma such as inflammation, one may experience a raised temperature. This is seen by the naturopath to be a sign of defence by the body and it is not suppressed, but supported and held. The ensuing recovery may release a "healing crisis". This crisis is a reaction to the body shedding toxins and healing itself.

What Can Naturopathy Help?

Naturopaths believe that the treatment is suitable for all kinds of people with all kinds of problems, mental and physical. Age is not a barrier and patients range from Babies to the Elderly. The treatment is said to be particularly effective against degenerative diseases such as Arthritis and Emphysema. It can also be successful in dealing with cases that conventional medicine cannot diagnose, such as anxiety or tiredness.

What Does Naturopathy Involve?

A naturopath will diagnose a patient rather than a disease. A detailed case history will be taken that will involve details of the patients medical history, emotions, sleep patterns, excercise details etc, followed by a conventional medical examination. Treatment is based on the findings. There may be lifestyle changes, often with reference to particular exercises, more rest, a specific diet with nutritional supplements and elimination of toxic and allergenic materials. Some form of counselling may be advised. The initial consultation may last an hour and subsequent sessions 40 minutes. The number of weekly sessions will vary up to 40 depending on the disorder