Naturopathy has been infatuated for several years and tends to develop all over the world, but not everyone knows exactly what the approach of naturopathy is, many think wrongly that the naturopath is there to give a list of ” plants” or supplements, or that the naturopathy is like a dietitian ….or that is not the essence of naturopathy.
After each practitioner has his approach, it is up to you to find the person who best suits you and who best responds to your problem.
A little history and etymology!
The origin of the word “naturopathy” comes from two English words “nature” and “path” which mean “the path of Nature” or the “way of Nature.
This term “naturopathy” was first registered in the USA in 1902.
Many definitions have been given, and to put it simply, Naturopathy is simply the art of staying healthy, being an actor and responsible for one’s health, and taking care of oneself by natural means.
According to the World Health Organization: “Naturopathy is a set of methods of care designed to strengthen the body’s defenses through means considered natural and biological.”
Naturopathy is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the 3rd traditional medicine, alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine. UNESCO considers it to be a traditional medicine as well.
The naturopathy main principles :
Inspired by Hippocrates, Greek physician (-460 to 377 BC), considered as the father of traditional Western medicine.
It is based on 4 fundamental pillars which are:
- Primum non nocere: First do not harm.
- Vis medicatix naturae: Nature has its own healing power.
- Tolle causam: Discover and treat the cause.
- Docere: Teach.
And concretely?
Naturopathy encompasses the individual as a whole (so-called holistic approach), either physically, energetically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, socioculturally and even planetary (ecology).
It can therefore be concluded that naturopathy’s mission is to prevent disease, maintain health, or optimize it with a healthier lifestyle.
The naturopath has two main roles:
- that of therapist, which allows the person to regain health and
- that of health educator, by which he gives advice on vital hygiene, with the aim that the person maintains health in the long term.
How’s a consultation going?
The 1st appointment lasts between 1 hour to 1hour anda half, the naturopath submits a very thorough questionnaire, to fully understand your health history, in order to determine the sources, the deepest causes of his current ill-being by reviewing his history occupation, eating habits, physical activities, leisure time and each of the physiological sectors, to point out what seems satisfactory or to improve.
At the end of this consultation the naturopath establishes the balance of vitality which consists in analyzing and understanding the terrain of the person, estimating his energy reserves.
Finally, the naturopath offers a three-point lifestyle program:
Food.
Physics Exercise.
The management of the mind
In this can be added in a non-compulsory way complementary techniques
The sick person should not “undergo” the treatment passively by simply swallowing the prescribed remedy, but must instead take an active part in the therapeutic process, question himself, for example by changing his way of eating, do more exercise, can also be by reviewing his way of thinking, by doing a work on oneself to eliminate his negative feelings …
Naturopathy thus contributes to the promotion of a global and sustainable health, which never replaces conventional medicine but complements it, it is in perfect complementarity with other health, medical and/or paramedical practices.
A naturopath should not create dependency with his clients but rather guide them on the path to health by making them actors of their own health, autonomously. And he mustn’t make a diagnosis.
Why and when to consult a naturopath?
- To take charge of his well-being and health, each individual is UNIQUE and has his own way of life, his habits, his constraints …
- To maintain or sustainably regain health in a natural way:
- Having a healthy lifestyle to stay healthy
- Fight or prevent chronic disorders that disturb (digestive, transit, joint, circulatory, acne and eczema, problems with sleep, concentration, chronic fatigue, food intolerances, allergies, cravings…)
- Prevent chronic diseases that are often familial (type 2 diabetes, cholesterol…)
- Manage stress and emotions
- Regain your health weight and above all keep it… without diet
- Improve your performance at work by learning to better manage stress, regain energy, concentration, sleep disorders, etc.
- Optimizing sports performance during workouts and physical recovery
- Accompany path treatment
- Optimize the health of your child or adolescent: such as problems with attention, stress, sleep, skin, digestion, food imbalances, allergies and intolerances, repeated ENT disorders …
- Accompanying female disorders: reducing premenstrual disorders, increasing fertility, being accompanied before, during and after pregnancy, experiencing menopause well …
- Having the keys to harmonious aging…
The naturopath, a real doctor?
In the United States in some states where the practice is recognized, naturopaths are considered true primary care physicians.
In most other countries, naturopaths are considered health advisors.
Beware in Europe, the naturopath does not make a diagnosis!
It is either upstream for prevention, or when the diagnosis has already been made to accompany or help prevent.
Naturopathy thus contributes to the promotion of a global and sustainable health, which never replaces conventional medicine but complements it, it is in perfect complementarity with other health, medical and/or paramedical practices.