All About Natural Medical Care: Overview, Core Principles, and Benefits

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Natural medical care or naturopathic medicine is an alternative healing method that utilizes natural remedies and therapies to treat a variety of health problems. Also known as naturopathy, naturopathic medicine is based on centuries-old philosophy and knowledge on self-healing. Essentially, naturopathy uses herbs and medicinal plants to cure health maladies. Instead of masking the symptoms, the natural therapies work to treat the source of the ailments.

Studies on Naturopathy

Modern medicine is rooted on natural remedies. For thousands of years, human beings were using medicinal plants to cure a variety of health problems. Modern research and lab testing confirm the efficacy of naturopathic remedies. In fact, dozens of peer-reviewed journals show that naturopathy is an effective alternative to drugs. This shows that natural medicine is an effective healing method.

The Core Principles of Naturopathy

First Do no Harm (Primum Non Nocere)

According to naturopathy principles, illnesses are a purposeful process of the organism. Just like healing, sickness is an expression of the life force. Naturopathy aims to complement and synergize with the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Mediatrix Naturae)

Nature has all the remedies needed to establish, maintain, and improve health. A naturopathic practitioner will facilitate the process to establish a healthy body.

Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)

Health problems do not happen without any cause. Symptoms are a sign that the body is fighting off a certain disease. It is not the true cause of the ailment. Naturopathy aims to determine the cause of the disease and treat it directly. It will not mask the symptoms nor will it treat symptomatic expressions.

Heal the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)

Naturopathy is not just about restoring health. This healing method aims to harmonize the body physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to boost health. Naturopathy requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating a certain ailment.

The Physician as Teacher (Docere)

To boost the efficacy of the treatment, there should be a trusting, doctor-patient relationship between a naturopathic practitioner and the person being treated. The physician is meant to educate and encourage the patient to take responsibility to maintain health. The doctor should empower and motivate his patients for efficient healing.

Prevention is the Best Cure (Praevenire)

Any type of health care method aims to prevent diseases. Establishing good health starts with proper education and the promotion of healthy habits. Apart from assessing the risk factors, the physician should educate patients about preventive measures to curb diseases. The doctor should also play the role of a teacher to help patients care for themselves using natural remedies.

Benefits of Naturopathy

All Natural Remedies

Naturopathy is all about using natural remedies and therapies to restore health. Over the counter and prescription medications tend to weaken the body and cause a wide range of discomforts and side effects. Because naturopathy uses nature-based treatments, side effects are minimized if not avoided altogether.

Healthy Lifestyle

Naturopathy treatments promote a healthier lifestyle. The philosophy of natural medicine is to heal the body from within through health habits and life-prolonging practices.