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Naturopathy's Role in Disease Prevention

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is based on a belief system which defines the body as being capable to heal itself. Naturopathic healthcare utilises herbs, vitamins, homeopathy and the healing touch to bring the body back into balance once it has been ravaged by illness or disease.

Naturopaths rely on several modes of treatment in order to create wellness within their clients. For instance, therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, ayurvedic massages, reflexology, aromatherapy and chi lel qi gong are all used to diffuse stress and boost the immune system. A strong immune system generally determines how well the body is able to resist and fight diseases. If the immune system is strong, there will be less incidencies of infections and ill-health.

Why Do People Seek Naturopathy as a Remedy?

The individuals who gravitate towards naturopathic medicine are those who have exhausted all options in reference to conventional medical care; or they may be individuals who prefer not to participate in invasive or painful medical treatments. For example, surgery, radiation treatments or injections.

The premise of naturopathy is to treat the whole patient as opposed to one symptom without causing pain or using invasive techniques. As naturopaths, we usually try to find the root of the problem before treating a specific symptom. It has been our experience that there are usually underlying causes which lead to certain ailments.

A naturopath has to diligently treat the primary and secondary symptoms before treating the real health problem. A person who may be suffering with hypertension, may also be dealing with kidney problems as well as diabetes. Therefore, you have to examine all areas of the body before making an accurate assessment of the client's health woes.

Preventing Disease

Naturopathy is more about prevention rather than cure. Clients are counselled about nutrition, and the groups of foods which are suitable for their body types and temperament. At times, people are consuming the wrong foods for their body's constitution. There are instances when individuals may experience digestive disorders, mental fog or food allergies which make them severely ill. Once examined, the practitioner may find, all that is really needed is a reassessment of their nutritional needs, supplementation and a proper diet.

Naturopathy is the science of promoting well-being by preventing diseases and alleviating illnesses. Naturopathic remedies include working with herbal preparations and natural products to spare the body from toxic overload or contamination.

In conventional medicine, drugs are often times the first line of defence with regard to treating maladies. However, the same drugs prescribed, end up causing more irreparable harm than the ailment they were supposed to treat.

Naturopathy offers an alternative where people are able to educate themselves regarding self-care. In the long run it saves them money on astronomical doctor's bills and they are able to take preventative measures to stave off infections and diseases. It creates a new way of living and thinking in reference to health.

A person who is prone to ear infections, colds and viruses may learn to incorporate garlic into their diet as well as vegetables and fruits. Also taking supplements such as Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, or Echinacea to help ward off any pending ailments on the horizon.

Factors Causing Diseases

There are many factors in our society which are responsible for causing chronic illnesses and diseases. However, the most prevalent are; environmental issues, stress, obesity, hypertension, pollution, smoking and noise pollution. Research has proven that long term exposure to air traffic, road traffic and miscellaneous loud noises can put a person at risk for heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.

During a naturopathic consultation each factor is taken into careful consideration and an appropriate remedy is recommended. For instance, if a client is experiencing stress or environmental issues such as noise pollution, a suggestion may be made for him/her to make lifestyle changes. Or he/she may be encouraged to participate in aromatherapy, meditation exercises, yoga or massage therapy. These modalities help to relax, soothe and calm the nerves allowing the client to be less mindful of the pesky matters he/she is dealing with.

Supplements such as magnesium, kava kava, and rhodiola, may be recommended in order to return the body and mind to a more serene state. A client who is having difficulty breaking the habit of smoking would be encouraged to join a smoking cessation program, as well as participating in a detoxification regimen.

The client would be placed on a diet of organic fruits and vegetable juices, along with chicken and miso soup daily to cleanse the body of the nicotine. The daily diet should consist of magnesium rich foods and alkaline foods. Magnesium helps to calm the nerves and stop the nicotine cravings.

Foods such as spinach, kelp, seaweed, bok choy, red beans, and string beans would be very beneficial to the person who is trying to quit smoking. They would also be urged to refrain from consuming caffeine, salt and junk food. A recommendation to drink a cup of green tea on a regular basis would be made because green tea removes toxins from the body and it also promotes weight loss. Most smokers tend to gain weight once they decide to join a smoking cessation program. The weight they gain can lead to diabetes, heart attack or stroke. Green tea is effective in removing any cancer causing agents which may have contaminated the body while smoking.

What Does Naturopathy Offer?

Naturopathy does not offer any cures or quick fixes however it does encourage a better quality of life. Whether someone is dying from an incurable sickness, or bothered with minor ailments, naturopathy makes the process more bearable. It also offers many options which give patients and clients a sense of control regarding their care.

If the path of naturopathy is chosen, the client must remain tenacious and optimistic with regard to feeling better. He/she can pave the way to optimal health and a happier lifestyle over a period of time.

31 July 2014