According to the CDC, 6 in 10 Americans live with some sort of chronic illness. With a global pandemic throwing health into sharp relief, taking care of our health and wellness has never felt as important as it does now.
If you’re currently searching for a new path of healing and treatment, you might have come across information for naturopathic medicine. Preventing and treating chronic illness is what a naturopathic doctor does best.
If you’re hoping to dive more into the topic and are currently wondering ‘what is naturopathic medicine?’ look no further. This article will explore this alternative path of medical care.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine as a healing modality emphasizes healing the root cause of sickness. As a form of holistic medicine, naturopathy uses a variety of treatment options in order to let the body’s self-healing mechanisms thrive.
Examples of therapy options that a naturopathic doctor might employ:
- Acupuncture
- Physical movement
- Massage
- Dietary supplementation
- Counseling
- Hydrotherapy
Appointment Overview
One of the main focus points of this healthcare modality looks at the body’s innate ability to self-heal and regulate. It takes into account the mind-body connection to dig deep into the root of what is causing an illness.
Your doctor will explore any behavioral, genetic, and environmental factors that contribute to your overall health. An initial consult might include:
- Overview of health history
- Review of your body’s systems
- Deep dive into any supplements or medications you take
- Overview of diet and physical activity
- Conduct diagnostic testing
The purpose of such an in-depth consultation is to develop a customized treatment plan for your body.
The Six Principles
The natural medicine approach of naturopathy is defined by six principles. These principles recognize the interconnectedness of the natural world. They prioritize wellness above all.
The first of these six principles is true for all medical professions: do no harm. The use of natural therapies to treat and heal patients is at the core of naturopathic medicine. This blends into the second principle that the body is the ultimate healer. Naturopathic doctors recognize this foundational aspect of human health.
The remaining principles incorporate functions such as:
- Identifying the cause of an illness before treatment
- Empowering patients with health education
- Restoring balance through personalized treatment
- Incorporating various therapies for long-lasting change
Prevention
Preventing the return of disease is the overall goal of a comprehensive treatment. Modern-day medical options paired with nature’s healing abilities are what make naturopathy such a distinct practice.
For those in the Washington, DC area, Karen Threlkel helps to heal patients through a whole-system approach to healing. With an understanding that any imbalance within the body can cause lead to discomfort or disease, naturopathy doctors like Karen provide a detailed, non-invasive approach to healing.
Restore Naturally
We hope the above information has answered your question as to “what is naturopathic medicine?” This healing treatment approach goes beyond simple “band-aid” fixes. Rather, it delves into the root of imbalances to tackle illness fully.
True healing and prevention are what you can expect when it comes to naturopathic medicine.
If you’re currently on a mission to improve your health, feel free to browse through our homepage for additional health-relevant information!