1. Natural medicine roots run deep
Naturopathic medicine honors and incorporates the oldest medical approaches, and blends them with the latest advances in medical science. Natural medicine has been used throughout most of human history. In many cultures, the elders are revered as the keepers of history and a source of wisdom. The practice of nature cure has been around since the beginning of medicine. Naturopathic principles date back to the ancient Greek physician and “Father of Medicine.” Hippocrates believed in using food as medicine, treating the whole person, and incorporating lifestyle changes like exercise to improve health. Sound familiar? It should, that is naturopathic medicine in a nutshell!
2. Naturopathic medicine is a partnership
Naturopathic medicine is among the finest examples of a health-focused, patient-centered therapeutic relationship. Rather than spending mere minutes reviewing a patient’s set of symptoms, naturopathic doctors work to truly excavate the layers to uncover the root cause of a disease. The doctor and patient meet for extended periods of time (one-two hours is not uncommon) to discuss the patient’s unique story including their medical history, environment, lifestyle, diet, spiritual concerns and anything else that helps to paint the picture of the patient’s health on a deep level. The ultimate goal is to design a plan that goes beyond treating symptoms and considers the whole person to use the least amount of force necessary to remove the cause of illness.
3. Naturopathic medicine is proactive
Naturopathic medicine values prevention. It is one of the core principles. Naturopathic medicine is not only focused on restoring health but on preserving and maintaining it as well. Naturopathic physicians promote taking steps to prevent disease from occurring in the first place. Teaching about prevention and lifestyle medicine is a key feature of naturopathic medicine.
4. Naturopathic medicine provides options
The options for removing the cause of disease are as varied as the cause of disease itself. Each person is unique, and not every treatment works the same in every person. Having a large toolbox from which to draw therapeutic options is a tremendous advantage of naturopathic medicine.
5. Naturopathic Medicine is the future of medicine!
The medical field has undergone many changes in the last decade. We see this in medical technology and in the way care is implemented. There is increased understanding that reducing the body to its various systems may not be the best nor most efficient way to return the sick to health. Looking at the whole person has many advantages when it comes to achieving and maintaining health and modern medicine is starting to understand this. Society is placing more value on whole-person wellness that includes not just physical health, but emotional, spiritual, and intellectual health as well.
Naturopathic medicine embraces not only the science of medicine but also the art of healing. Healing is more than giving an herb to treat a symptom. Taking the time to deeply uncover and understand what a patient is dealing with requires listening to the patient’s story, using good communication techniques, and patience. The goal of all this is translating everything into a plan of action and prioritizing healing among the various pathways that emerge. What more can you love than creating and embracing our optimal selves!
