Holistic health principles: What is naturopathy?

Naturopathy is based on the principles of the workings of nature. Naturopathy’s aim is to promote health and wellness instead of confronting disease. It tries to educate people on how to improve their lifestyle to stay healthy and prevent illness.

Naturopathy came about through observation and application. Its principles were developed through observing nature. Early humans used their instincts, just as animals do to this day. Animals, when ill, stop eating, and try to cool inflamed parts. Or they seek warmth when chilled. Early humans learned to use air, water, sunlight, and local plants for relief of aches and pains.

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, realized the importance of nature’s healing power. He wrote about natural hygiene and recognized that a fever was nature’s way of trying to heal. Bathing for health was a science for ancient Roman’s, and they establishes spas which served in the relief of many physical disorders.

Naturopathy believes that it is what we put into our bodies, that controls our resistance to disease. If we burden it with impurities, invading micro-organism will find a way to multiply, because of the physical, emotional, or biochemical imbalances caused by the bad environment we create within our bodies.

Naturopathic medicine tries to restore balance in our functions, by helping us to overcome negative emotions, teaching us ways to cope with stress, and also teaching us about proper nutrition that will sustain healthy body chemistry. Through these steps, the body can heal itself or fight invading organisms. Naturopathy believes that fevers, colds, and discharges are the body’s way of recovering from illness.

Naturopaths have long advocated the importance of nutrition for the maintenance of physical, mental, and emotional well being, and these days, research confirms these beliefs.

Naturopaths treat illnesses and ailments with special diets, fasting, hydrotherapy, and vitamins and herbs, and advocate the “ounce of prevention” way of life.