With natural healing becoming more and more popular, one of the terms you may commonly hear is naturopath. But, you may wonder, what exactly is a naturopath?
Simply put, a naturopath is a health professional trained in the practice of natural medicine and healing through an accredited institution. Also known as a Naturopathic Doctor or N.D., a naturopath believes that the human body strives to be well and balanced and, when experiencing illness or pain, it can be encouraged to be healthy through natural methods. Doctors of naturopathy are not traditional medical doctors but they are extensively trained in such subjects as anatomy, homeopathy, nutrition, physiology and counseling.
What do they treat?
Because naturopaths believe in treating the whole person, they will focus on all aspects of a person's health and wellness, which include the mind, emotions and spirit as well as the physical. They will gear their treatment of the person by addressing not only the illness but all the underlying causes of the illness. For this reason treatments can be very diverse and may include such things as herbal remedies, aromatherapy, massage, nutritional counseling, biofeedback or acupressure, depending upon the needs of the person they are treating. There is also a strong focus on preventive medicine by keeping the body healthy through proper nutrition, physical activity and stress management.
A naturopath does not practice surgery nor do they prefer to use pharmaceutical drugs, although some may occasionally prescribe them if they are licensed to do so. If they feel that a person needs the care of a traditional medical doctor they will be referred to a qualified practitioner.
What about licensing?
The licensing and regulation of naturopaths depends a lot upon where you live; here in the United States it varies state by state. Some, but not all, naturopaths are licensed by the AMA and can prescribe medications, make diagnosis and sometimes even perform minor surgery. Even so, they are not considered primary care givers and are not meant to replace a family doctor for traditional medical care. If you seek the assistance of a naturopath, don't be afraid to ask questions before receiving treatment.
Seeking the help of a naturopath can be an excellent choice in the pursuit of good health and a balanced life.
