The media has provided us with a very particular view of health and healthcare. Medical dramas utilize a diagnosis or a cure as a climactic plot point without recognizing that there is much more to medicine than treatment. Traditional naturopathy is a subset of medicine that promotes natural wellness and the prevention of disease through the optimization of health.
What Is Naturopathy?
The World Health Organization defines health as much more than physical, also emphasizing the holistic and important considerations of mental and social wellness. Those who practice traditional naturopathy subscribe entirely to this mindset and fully understand that health is broader than disease. Health is important even in the absence of sickness—prevention is key. According to the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners, this definition provided by the WHO has not been changed since 1948, testifying to the solidity of this definition and the way that the globe has embraced it as a true and accurate description of well-being.
What Is It Not?
Unlike modern naturopaths, practitioners of traditional naturopathy do not prescribe drugs, treat symptoms, or utilize conventional medical therapies to clients seeking health improvement. Invasive procedures are not employed, and holistic lifestyle changes are encouraged in an effort to optimize the body’s natural healing ability.
Teaching Over Treatment
Awareness may be one of the most powerful tools available to a healthy humanity. By promoting guidance and client knowledge, practitioners of traditional naturopathy believe in advancing their clients’ understanding of health and wellness.
If you are interested in further education about traditional naturopathy and its multitude of benefits, consider educating yourself! While a practitioner is the most qualified to guide you in your goals towards better health, there are some institutions such as Primitius International which provide a variety of books and learning materials for the curious, future naturopath.