We are living in a prosperous time in history with the average lifespan in developed countries longer than ever before, doubling since the 1900s (1). This can be attributed to the rise of modern medicine and the advancements including the discovery of the germ theory, antibiotics, vaccinations and surgery (2).
Despite this, a wide variety of diseases still affect us with the leading cause of premature deaths attributed to preventable lifestyle and dietary causes (3).
In the quest to manage and prevent disease, many individuals are now turning to naturopaths as primary care providers (4). In many cases, triggered by a lack of improvement despite seeking conventional medical care.
But what exactly is a naturopath?
Naturopathy is a holistic healing modality that has been long entwined and overlaps with conventional medicine (5).
The term was formally coined in 1901 by German Physician, Dr Benedict Lust based on the teachings of Hippocrates, the father of Medicine (5). Hippocrates advocated for a holistic healthcare model using drug therapy, diet, physical and mental exercise. He is believed in the body’s innate ability to heal itself and encouraged the use of food as medicine and education as the best medical tools (6).
Hippocrates is famously quoted for saying:
“The greatest medicine of all is teaching people how not to need it."
In fact, both Naturopaths and conventional medical practitioners both take the Hippocratic oath of 'first to no harm' (7).
There are 7 principles of naturopathic practice (8):
‘First do no harm’ – Naturopaths aim to use the least invasive and least harmful therapies to restore health minimising risk of side effects.
‘The healing power of nature’ – Naturopaths use medicines naturally derived from plants based on thousands of years of traditional use combined with scientific evidence.
‘Identify and treat the cause’ – instead of masking symptoms, Naturopaths aim to uncover the root cause and address it.
‘Treat the whole person’ – looking at physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors all contributing to an individual’s health and each system is interrelated.
Think the brain-gut axis, a more recent discovery by scientists who have been able to prove that stress can cause gut problems and visa versa. Conventional medicine tends to be reductionistic, looking at systems of the body in isolation.
‘Doctor as teacher’ – Naturopathic practitioners serve as educators empowering patients to make informed decisions and learn to take care of their own health.
‘Prevention’ – emphasising the importance of looking after yourself to prevent the development of diseases and promote longevity.
‘Wellness promotion’ – not just avoiding and treating illness, naturopathic practitioners advocate and support optimal health and vitality for optimal energy, wellbeing and performance.
The history of controversy and criticism
The movement of naturopathic practice has unfortunately been subject to criticism over the years, mainly by conventional medicine practitioners. The arguments are usually around the lack of scientific evidence. Unfortunately due to no protection of title, historically anyone could call themselves a naturopath with the profession attracting unqualified charlatans with no training whatsoever.
Due to the nature of the practice being highly personalised, it is also hard to quantify efficacy of treatment under a gold standard controlled clinical trial as most treatments require a number of interventions that can’t be strictly controlled for and goes against the uniqueness of treating the individual (4). For example to improve anxiety, one person may need and respond to a combination of magnesium and b group vitamins whilst another simply needs to avoid caffeine and too much screen time.
Despite this, numerous clinical trials have been conducted on naturopathy in recent years and the modalities used within the practice including nutritional therapy and herbal medicine.
Many conventional doctors are even beginning to even incorporate the personalised, naturopathic model for better patient outcomes within their own practice. In addition to this, it is becoming more common for conventional doctors to test for and prescribe nutrients, giving naturopathic, holistic advice. This movement has been classed as Integrative Medicine.
Modern naturopathic medicine
Conversely, as conventional doctors adopt naturopathic principles, the same thing is happening on the other side of the fence. The modern naturopath in Australia is more scientific in their training with a mandatory minimum level of education accepted for clinical practice is a Bachelor of Health Science, a 4 year undergraduate science degree. The course covers chemistry, biology, physiology, pharmacology and many other subjects overlapping with other allied health professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dentists and nurses. The training requires a minimum of 600 clinical hours before they can graduate (4).
The modern naturopath uses a range of testing and diagnostic techniques to help uncover the underlying cause. Many of these tests dig a bit deeper than the standard panels run by your GP. A modern naturopath will also order conventional pathology testing too however these tests are not subsidised by medicare.
The modern naturopath is still holistic however they draw upon both evidence based medicines with traditional wisdom with thousands of years of documented use.
Why see a naturopath
A naturopath is a great option to turn to when you have been unwell for some time and haven’t been able to overcome or resolve the issue. Chronic conditions such as eczema and IBS are the types of conditions that can easily be improved seeing a naturopath.
Another reason to see a naturopath is when you aren’t exactly feeling unwell but you're not exactly thriving either. Think, your energy is lower than it used to be, you’re struggling to get out of bed each day; you have brain fog or catching every cold going around. You may feel like you're just 'getting older.'
Naturopathy has many effective tools to support disease prevention and health optimisation so you can feel like your old self again.
You may have seen a loved one develop type II diabetes and struggle with obesity or dementia runs in the family and compelling you to avoid the same fate at all costs.
You may not even be sick but on the quest to push yourself beyond your current capabilities like running an ultramarathon or improving your recovery as a vocal singer requiring specific support.
Whatever your motivation for being here, everyone can benefit from having naturopathic care at some stage of their lives. In fact, even naturopaths see naturopaths as we often need an unbiased person to help us check back into ourselves as part of our own self care.
If you would like to explore how naturopathy can help your individual circumstances, I offer complimentary, obligation free discovery calls.
I get it, you might be unsure if naturopathy is right for you and you might have some questions before committing. I look forward to helping you soon.
Yours in good health,
Dee x
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