Introduction to Naturopathy
also known as Nature Cure
Naturopathy: A Brief Introduction
We live in a largely synthetic and artificial world. A world, that has increasingly stepped away from nature. This denial of the pristine, has contributed to many of the ills that plague modern living. Naturopathy or cure through Nature, is as old as life on earth. Animals have used the bounty of Mother Nature for aeons, for every ailment ever encountered by them. Ever since our advent on planet earth, we have not only used the cures offered by nature, but with typical human ingenuity, have created diverse applications and usages of herbs, medicinal plants, leaves, barks, roots. Entire systems of medicine have grown around the curative processes of extracts from plants. Entire cultures, from the Druids of the West to Medicine Men of Africa, to the Vaids of India, have discovered, sustained, enhanced and preserved the curative power of Nature in different, but complementary ways.

In its modern, more systematized form this ancient knowledge, employed eclectically is called Naturopathy. Resurgence in Naturopathy is due to a recognition of the limitations of the current medical system and the efficacy of Naturopathic medicine. Although the term "naturopathy" was first used at the turn of the century, the philosophical basis and many of the methods of naturopathic medicines go back at least to 400 B.C. when Hippocrates became famous for his treatment of diseases in accordance with natural laws. Particularly in terms of his teaching that "nature is healer of all diseases" and his formulation of the concept vis medicatrix nature -- "the healing power of nature.

Naturopathy is a system of medicine aimed to diagnose and treat any human ailment, pain and injury through the use of natural elements, mainly 5 in number - Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

It is a system of non-invasive healthcare and health assessment, in which neither surgery nor drugs are used ; dependence being placed only on education, counseling, naturopathic modalities and natural substances, including the use of foods, food extracts, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, digestive aids, botanical substances, topical natural substances, homeopathic preparations, air, water, heat, cold, sound, light, the physical modalities of magnetic therapy, naturopathic non-manipulative bodywork and exercise to help stimulate and maintain the individual's intrinsic self-healing processes.Naturopathic medicine is a distinct healing philosophy and practice, which seeks to promote health, by using the body's life force and inner protecting mechanism for stimulating and supporting the body's inherent power of regaining harmony and balance.

Principles of Naturopathic Treatment
The Naturopath always seeks to:

Educate the patient their own health is their own responsibility.

How Does Waste Accumulate in the Body?
Our body is made up of cells, some of which continuously die and are replaced by new ones. The old dead cells need to be eliminated, but often they stay within the body. The negative effect is compounded by new/living cells, which also generate toxic wastes during metabolism. In addition, sedentary lifestyles, substance abuse, bad eating habits etc combine to create excess toxins. When these toxins are not eliminated at a reasonably fast rate, a diseased condition is created.

Naturopathic Treatment Methodology
Because Naturopathy is an approach to health care and not a treatment there are many treatment modalities, which can be employed. However, they should always employed in a way that works with the body's own healing efforts and should be used in accordance with the principles of naturopathic treatment.

Treatments may primarily be concerned with the biochemical, structural or emotional depending upon the nature of the problem.

The following are some modalities that may be employed:

Naturopathic Today
Modern naturopathic physicians (NDs) use therapies that are primarily natural and non-toxic. These include clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and counseling. Many NDs have additional training and certification in acupuncture and home birthing. These contemporary NDs, who have attended naturopathic medical colleges, practice medicine as primary health care providers and are increasingly acknowledged as leaders of change in the medical system. Today's naturopathic physicians continue to use these therapies as their main tools and advocate a healthy dose of primary prevention. In addition, modern NDs conduct and make practical use of the latest bio-chemical research involving nutrition, botanicals, homeopathy, and other natural treatments. For many diseases and conditions (a few examples are ulcerative colitis, asthma, menopause, flu, obesity, and chronic fatigue), treatments used by naturopathic physicians can be primary and even curative. Naturopathic physicians also function within an integrated framework, partnering with practitioners of conventional medicine. Naturopathic therapies can also be employed to complement treatments used by conventionally trained doctors. The result is a team-care approach that recognizes the needs of the patient to receive the best overall treatment most appropriate to his or her specific medical condition.
Naturopathic Medicine
Progress of Naturopathy
In a few years, Naturopathy has made great progress. In the U.K. about 300-400 naturopaths have successful practices. In the United States, it is an acknowledged system of medicine, taught in colleges and universities. In the developing world, were traditional knowledge still survives, Naturopathy has always been widely used. The first years of a new millennium, as we look out towards a better, more mature, and wiser world, where the oneness of all things is beginning to be understood, Naturopathy will reinforce long forgotten links with Mother Earth on one hand, whilst fostering a healthier world on the other.

Philosophy of Naturopathy

Naturopathy Treatment, Diet, Herbs, Meditation, Exercises
Some Drug-Free Therapies Are Also Used In Nature Cure