Heidi Geha

July 16, 2016

Discussion 6: Naturopathic Medicine

Differentiate between the view of health and illness as seen through conventional medicine (the
MD) and naturopathic medicine (NMD). What healing techniques do Naturopaths commonly
use in their offices? What struggles has the Naturopathic profession faced since it started in the
early 1900's?

Health and Illness are viewed differently when it comes to conventional medicine and

naturopathic medicine. Conventional medicine is concerned only with curing the illness and

making the patient healthy by way of prescription (synthetic, chemically made) drugs and

surgeries. Naturopathic medicine is different; they look at the whole body with a holistic

approach. Naturopathic is a whole body health care system based on the belief that the body

has the potential to heal itself and that the physicians role is to support the bodys effort.

(Synovitz and Larson, page 121).

The main part of a Naturopathic Doctors treatment focuses on balancing the four major

body systems: immune system, hormonal system, detoxification (digestive) system, and the

nervous system. (Wireman, M., PP slide 16). Naturopathic Doctors and patients work together

to find the most suitable treatment for the patient. The patient is involved with the treatment

process and are responsible for their part in the treatment. To achieve balance, the Naturopathic

Doctors like to have the patients use therapies that are non-invasive, no surgery and no drugs

(last options). Instead they recommend that the patient get fresh air, sunlight, water, rest and

exercise. (Synovitz and Larson, page 125). A major part of Naturopathic Medicine is
counseling and teaching the patient about proper nutrition. Naturopaths use botanical medicine

(phytotherapy) for treating disease conditions. Vitamins and homeopathic substances (tissue cell

salts), they may also use energy work, massage, physical therapy, TCM, bodywork, and

hydrotherapy. (Synovitz and Larson, page 125-126).

Since the early 1900s Naturopathic Medicine has faced many challenges due to lack of

scientific validation and the introduction of pharmaceuticals. In the early 1900s the first school

of Naturopathy was established in New York. The American Naturopathic Association was

founded in 1919; it was accepted by 19 states. (Synovitz and Larson, page 122). It quickly lost

the American publics interest. Soon pharmaceuticals would flood the medical scene and

become the quick fix for illness and creating better health. It would be several decades before

Naturopathic Medicine would again see a rise in popularity. People began to become health

conscious again in the 70s and 80s and the health conscious trend has continued. A major

reason for the continued increased interest in alternative medicine is the cost of traditional health

care. People want and need a more affordable way to be and stay healthy and live longer lives.

Synovitz, Linda Baily., and Karl L. Larson. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Health
Professionals: A Holistic Approach to Consumer Health. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2013.
Professor Wireman, Mark. Powerpoint lecture discussion 6: Naturopathic Medicine, 2016.