Basic Information About Any Richmond Hill Naturopath

By Miranda Sweeney


Naturopathy also called naturopathic medicine is a system of alternative medicine that bases on a belief of vitalism. Practitioners believe that there is a form of special energy in the body called vital force or vital energy which guides all bodily functions in the body. The bodily functions guided by this energy include adaptation, growth, reproduction, and metabolism among many others. Any Richmond Hill naturopath prefers to use non-invasive treatment instead of surgeries and administration of drugs.

The belief of naturopaths is more in disease prevention than its treatment. Treatment methods employ natural therapies and rely more on the ability of the body to heal itself. Treatment methods used cannot be proved and do not base on evidence. Principles held in modern science and medicine are rejected and not used in treatment. Philosophies that view nature as the best healer are blended with modern research in medicine to formulate treatments.

Naturopathy is a term derived from Latin and the Greek languages. When translated into English, it literally means nature disease. The coining of this term was done by John Scheel in 1895. Popularization of the term and system was later done by Benedict Lust who is considered the father of naturopathy in the US. The application of the system is currently widely spread within the US and Canada.

The level of jurisdiction naturopaths are allowed dictates the scope of practice. Designation using titles such as naturopathic doctor is common in places where jurisdictions do not exist. Practitioners in this field can be classified under three major groups, that is, traditional naturopaths, naturopathic physicians, and other health care providers. Such health care renderers treat people through naturopathic methods.

The number of methods employed in this system of treatment is very high. The training acquired by the practitioner and the scope of practice determine the type of methods that can be used for treatment of diseases. Major methods include acupuncture, botanical medicine, colonic enemas, homeopathy, hair analysis, brainwave entertainment, applied kinesiology, live blood analysis, hygiene, psychological counseling, physical medicine, reflexology, and color therapy. Several forms of therapies are comprised in nature cures including exposure patients to natural elements such as fresh air, sunlight, heat, and cold.

Nutrition can also be used in treatment in which case patients may be advised to fast, abstain from alcohol, smoking, and other foods. Whole food and vegetarian diets are also highly encouraged in this system. Some research indicates that minerals, allergy treatment, vitamins, homeopathy, and botanical medicines are the most prescribed naturopathic therapeutics.

In about 17 states of the US and 5 provinces in Canada, these practitioners are given licenses to practice under certain jurisdictions. In such states, the term Naturopathic doctor and all terms relating to it are normally protected designations. There is a board in the North America that is concerned with the licensing of practitioners and government of practitioners and the system. One must pass the qualification exam administered by the board to be licensed.

The medicine community has severally criticized and rejected this system because it lacks scientific basis. For instance, naturopaths claim existence of vital energy but cannot prove its existence. Also, there have never been any publications made about the field leading to further criticism worldwide.




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