Integrating Naturopathy

It could be considered that conventional medicine has indirectly contributed to the rise of complementary and alternative medicine. A broad definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant health-care system” (The World Health Organisation, n.d.). Expanding on this definition it is important to address the variable similarities of CAM modalities. CAM therapies across the various modalities have in common a shared, in varying degrees, holistic approach and subscribe to some form of vitality - a contrast from the science-based view point of conventional medicine prevalent in western society. In spite of CAM therapies empirical nature and efficacies, it is suggested that dissatisfaction of conventional medicine underpins the popularity it has garnered, thus, it will be examined further as to how and why. A further discussion will be made to related dangers of both alternative and science-based medicine; providing an opportunity to constructively educate the public on the differences between the two systems.

Throughout the years there have been two traditions within the practice of medicine. One is the 'art of healing ' which involves its own specialised brand of training. The art of healing is dependent on the prescriber 's foreknowledge and the clients’ viewpoint of the prosperous results. The 'Science of healing ' is based on scientific and technological ideas. This tradition results in a lower liability for practitioners regarding the showing of an original approach to medicine, however the results of this method are more calculable (Kayne 2002). It is believed that the tradition of the ‘art of healing’ is increasing in popularity. The World Health Organisation states ' 'that the terms ' 'complementary medicine ' ' or ' 'alternative medicine’ ' are used interchangeably with traditional medicine in some countries. They refer to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country 's own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system” (World Health Organization 2000). This type of treatment, is commonly known as ‘Complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). The word complementary derives from the meaning ‘together with’ established practices and the word alternative refers to ‘in place’ of established practices. Some patients choose to participate in complementary therapies along with the medication prescribed by their general practitioner whilst others prefer complementary therapies as opposed to the medications

Holistic Medicine, commonly referred to as “Alternative Medicine”, is a vast and rapidly growing new scientific field. It is derived mainly from ancient, traditional methods of healing that have often been practiced in the East for centuries. These include a variety of techniques from herbal healing to acupuncture to homeopathy to energy channeling. Due to the large number of methods that are covered by the term, there are various definitions of Holistic Medicine. However, all literature seems to agree that Alternative Medicine, is exactly what the name suggests: an ‘alternative’ approach to healing and medicine. It is a more personal move toward health care, which attempts to connect the mind, body and spirit.

Through the enthusiasm of alternative medicine by patients, the health and social care sector comes across to:” ethical issues of efficacy, training, competence and patient safety, “according to (Nursing times ,2005). Therefore, it is important to understand the principles behind complementary therapies and their usage.

Over the past 10 years, the pharmaceutical formulary for licensed Naturopathic Physicians has absolutely expanded. In many states where Naturopathic Physicians have licensure, they also have the ability to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs to help their patients. While the Physicians may not always choose to go with pharmaceuticals as a treatment choice, they have the option if that is what they and their patients think is best. The state that has experienced the most expansion has been Oregon, but each state has its own formulary which Naturopaths can work from. If I end up working in a licensure state, it will be important to have pharmaceuticals as an option to treat my patients. My main goal as a Naturopathic Physician is to help my patients to the best of my ability. I plan to integrate pharmaceutical modalities into my clinic if it is in a licensure state, and use them for patients who need the help of pharmaceuticals. I will always strive to provide the best care for my patients, and if pharmaceuticals will help them without also causing harm, then I will prescribe them for my patients. The pharmaceutical formulary expansion provides an example of the integration of nature and modern medicine, which is the basis for Naturopathic treatment. Naturopathic treatments use natural methods whenever possible, but sometimes quicker methods are necessary, like those provided by pharmaceuticals. It is important for NDs to have a variety of treatment methods available for treatment

Complementary and alternative medicine or CAM is “a large and diverse set of systems of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention based on philosophies and techniques other than those used in conventional Western medicine, often derived from traditions of medical practice used in other (non-Western) cultures. Such practices may be described as alternative that is, existing as a body separate from and as a replacement for conventional Western medicine, or complementary, that is, used in addition to conventional Western practice. CAM is characterized by its focus on the whole person as a unique individual, on the energy of the body and its influence on health and disease, on the healing power of nature and the mobilization of the body 's own resources to heal itself, and on the treatment of the underlying causes, rather than symptoms, of disease. Many of the techniques used are the subject of controversy and have not been validated by controlled studies” (“Complementary and alternative”, 2009). In essence, complementary refers to unconventional therapy used together with conventional medicine and alternative refers to an unconventional approach used in the place of conventional medicine. Some examples of CAM include chiropractic medicine, yoga, meditation, diet therapies, acupuncture, herbal medicine such as vitamin and mineral supplements and therapeutic touch therapy. They will either be classified as complementary or alternative based on whether the method

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy, has been around and practiced by many countries considered as undeveloped or developing for centuries. It’s use in modern times by developed countries has increased tremendously, as research has shown the effectiveness of its use. CAM therapy and practices are being embraced by healthcare professionals slowly, in what is considered an alternative therapy, or adjunct to western medicine. However, research shows that many individuals are using CAM, but are not reporting it to their healthcare providers. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) studies has shown a “36% increase of CAM therapy use in the United States in 2002, with a 38% increase noted by 2007, resulting in thirty-four billion dollars being spent on this alternative medicine and practice,” (Artani, Mhatre, & Sansgiry, 2013; National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2013) prompting this question, why are people keeping their CAM usage a secret? Should the word about CAM therapy be increased among healthcare providers and patients? If CAM therapy is affective and could decrease the cost of our strained healthcare budget, why has this century old dialogue not been improved. Could the loss of money for big industry drug distributers be behind the quieting voice of CAM therapy usage?

Today 's modern health care is ever evolving in its approach to health and care of a patient revolves around being culturally and ethnically competent in their treatment. In the United States (US), the growing aging population, brings an increasing public awareness of the major risk factors that are contributing to chronic illness. The availability of knowledgeable healthcare practitioners is also growing to meet the needs of this growing population. Complementary alternative medicine (CAM) is aimed to provide a multidisciplinary and educational health care experience. In this project, it will be explained about being culturally and ethnically competent and the use of alternative medicine as an adjunct therapy or a

One of the most commonly cited reasons for using CAM is that it is perceived as “natural” (Hill-Sakurai et al, 2008). Women argue that previous generations of women were able to make due using natural methods, so they should be able to as well. However, despite their adamance that CAM is natural, there does not appear to be a clear consensus on what exactly “natural” means. One could assume that they mean to say that CAM is free from chemicals, but this is untrue on a basic level. Many CAM practices, such as herbal remedies, rely upon the chemicals in the herbs to combat the patient’s symptoms. One could assume instead that these women mean to say that CAM is free of processed substances, but in the case of homeopathy, this is not the case. Therefore, it is helpful to look at alternate reasons for women’s reliance upon CAM. Another approach is that CAM is compatible with the values and philosophical orientations of these women. (Hill-Sakurai et al, 2008). One of the core values mentioned is a focus on globalization, feminism, and inner life (Goldstein, 2002). The impact of globalization on CAM is fairly straightforward - CAM draws upon the traditional medicines of China, India, and the Americas, as well as traditional folk remedies of Western cultures. Examples of some of these practices include yoga, dong quai, acupuncture, and traditional Native American herbal remedies such as red clover. (Im, E. et al,

To begin with, before ‘diving right into the deep end’, as the saying goes, I feel it significant to give a brief definition of the word ‘Naturopathy’, so as to then be able to expand and extend systematically onto the diverse connecting factors that play their essential roles

There are several reasons why I have decided to pursue a career in Naturopathic medicine. First and foremost I want to help people. Septic arthritis in my hip at the age 9 months has led to a lifetime of being constantly involved in many disciplines of the healthcare system. And while medical doctors and surgeons have provided me with the ability to walk and lead a normal life, it was naturopathic and chiropractic doctors that really helped me overcome my overall health concerns. I owe a lot to naturopathic medicine and ultimately wish to become a naturopathic doctor so that I can help other people in ways that I was helped myself. I know that my passion lies within medicine, but the ‘10 minute appointment followed by a prescription’ kind of healthcare does not appeal to me.

Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care system that uses traditional and natural methods with the support of modern scientific knowledge to stimulate the body’s self-healing power (Anonymous, 1999). Naturopathic medicine benefits the patient by treating the causes of the disease and not just the symptoms (Anonymous, 1999). Being a naturopathic doctor will allow me to fulfill my desire to learn about natural medicine in order to help patients heal in a natural way instead of using prescribed drugs, which restrain the body’s natural immune system. This paper will cover the job description of an average naturopathic

Although "Alternative" or "Complementary" medicine has been kept on the fringes of the medical sciences in the past, it is becoming increasingly more popular, and more reputable. Alternative medicines are those medical systems which are not taught to or practiced by most conventional medical doctors. Alternative medicines seemingly have always existed, changing and conforming to the current climate of society. There seems to be an almost endless number of alternative medicines, each with their own method of gaining perfect health. Often people who are dissatisfied with conventional medicine turn to alternative medicine for their medical needs. Many similarities link the diverse extremities of alternative medicine.

Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a type of alternative medicinal system employing a wide array of natural modalities, including homeopathy, herbalism, and acupuncture, as well as diet and routine lifestyle counseling. Naturopathic person favor a holistic approach with non-invasive treatment and generally avoid the use of surgery and drugs. Naturopathic medicine contains many pseudoscientific concepts and is considered ineffective and can be harmful, which raises ethical issues.[1-3]Naturopaths have repeatedly been accused of being charlatans and practicing quackery.[4-8]

The study of Naturopathy has been a slow but steadily increasing interest to myself over the last couple of years, as I stated in an earlier section of this Dissertation, that it, Natural therapy, was introduced into my life, as opposed to myself ‘going out there looking for it’. In the past number of years, early 1990s to present, Natural, Healthy foods, etc. have become strongly mainstream and millions of people worldwide can have the opportunity to have a ‘taste’ of this world of Natural Health, here in the Western World, as well as, even in poorer, Third-World countries where there are Natural resources already prevalent and due to the hotter climates and warmer temperatures abundance in Fruits and Vegetables is everyday