Naturopathy is a holistic approach to wellness. It is based on the principle that the body has the fundamental ability to heal itself. Naturopathic principles are based that each person is an individual and is treated accordingly. They believe in treating the whole person and not just the affected area. Naturopathy encompasses a variety of treatment methods including:
- Herbal Medicine to help prevent and treat various illnesses
- Dietary and Nutritional advice for restoration of balance, detoxification and prevention of disease
- Lifestyle advice to promote well-being and to reduce stress
- Hydrotherapy using the healing power of water to stimulate the immune system and the body's natural defences
- The use of compresses and packs to stimulate organ function and to reduce pain
What is Nutrition?
What we eat is an important part of what we are. Food is based on culture as well as upbringing. It can also be based on what is believed to be deemed as healthy and what is not.
The food you eat can provide you with the energy and vital nutrients necessary to maintain health. Food is also important to build your immune system that can support you should you become ill. You can also have an allergic reaction to food or a food intolerance, which can lead to different adverse reactions. These can include:
- Eruptions on the skin,
- Stomach cramps,
- Vomiting,
- diarrhoea may occur after eating certain foods.
Knowing which foods are responsible is the first step to ascertaining how to go about addressing the problem. Often the only way is to carry out an elimination diet, by excluding certain substances. This can be undertaken by a nutritionist.
Treatment by a naturopath
A naturopath employs a range of non-invasive techniques and these include (but are not limited to):
- nutrition and dietary advice. A poor diet stops the body from functioning well and a build-up of toxins can lead to a range of illnesses. Whole, fresh and unprocessed foods are recommended
- herbal medicine – herbs can support the body
- homeopathy – homeopathic treatments are used to stimulate the body
- hydrotherapy (water therapy). For instance, the use of hot and cold compresses might be used for certain conditions to influence the flow of blood and body heat
- physical therapies – such as massage, Bowen, acupressure, bio-puncture or mechanotherapy
- kinesiology and integrated bio-dynamics (IBD)
- counselling techniques – emotional problems and stress can interfere with the healing process. Counselling techniques can include stress management strategies and life coaching.
References
Originally published on Jan 25, 2018
