Naturopathic-what? Naturo-who? Naturopathy!

Many people struggle to define exactly what Naturopathy is. Most definitions describe it as a "complementary" or "non-conventional" medicine. As an alternative therapy, Naturopathy does not overlook conventional medicine especially in the case of serious illness but it suggests that many chronic ailments and injuries can be healed through natural therapies.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Naturopathy is a set of healthcare methods aimed at strengthening the body's defences by means considered natural and biological."

How is this achieved?

It involves a wide variety of methods often rooted in ancient traditions: aromatherapy, nutrition, gemmotherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical manipulation, and stress management techniques.

Naturopathy identifies three primary factors that lead to disease:

1. Diet: An unbalanced diet, too high in sugar, caffeine, processed oils, or alcohol, is the leading cause of "fouling" our humours* and overloading the skin, kidneys, lungs, and liver..

2. Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical exercise is essential for "unclogging" our four main filters (skin, kidneys, lungs, and liver). Through effort, the body effectively eliminates waste.

3. Psychological Factors: We have all noticed how bad news, exam stress, or a breakup can manifest physically, such as through stomach pain or a loss of appetite. The psyche has a major impact on our physical organism.

*Humours: The fluids in which our cells are bathed, such as blood, lymph, and intercellular fluids.

The Five Pillars of Naturopathy

To understand an illness, a Naturopath looks at the individual as a whole, believing that everything is connected.

• Vitalism: The philosophy that vital energy is an immaterial factor essential for healing. This is the body's "innate intelligence"—our intrinsic life force and self-healing capacity.

  
  

• Humorism: This focuses on the body's organic fluids (blood, lymph,intra/extracellular fluids). Since these make up 70% of our body, the Naturopath seeks to maintain their integrity.

  
  

• Hygienism: The consideration of a healthy lifestyle through food, sleep, exercise, and regular contact with nature.

  
  

• Causalism: Searching for the root cause of an illness rather than just treating the symptom.

  
  

• Holism: From the term holos ("the whole"), this means taking into account the entire individual: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.

  
  

Origins and Recognition

The term "Naturopath" comes from the Latin natura and the Greek pathos, meaning "healing in accordance with nature." In the West, Hippocrates remains the emblematic figure of Naturopathy, which is firmly linked to Ancient Greek medical traditions.

Conclusion of what is naturopathy

Naturopathy is a preventive and complementary medicine. It is not about a quick reaction to a threatening disease, but about discovering the primary cause and restoring vital energy.

For example: For someone with eczema, a traditional doctor might prescribe a cream to soothe redness in the short term. A Naturopath will look for the cause—whether it is stress, a lack of essential fatty acids, a food reaction, or even high levels of limescale in the water. Once the cause is found, the Naturopath guides the patient to adjust their lifestyle for long-term health.

Naturopathy allows us to awaken our "inner doctor," stimulating our self-healing abilities and teaching us to take care of ourselves through natural means.

Note: A Naturopath does not replace a General Practitioner (GP).

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