What is naturopathy?

Overview

Naturopathy, or “natural medicine,” is one of the most important branches of
alternative medicine, exerting an influence far beyond the actual numbers of its
formal practitioners. Popularized by medical practitioner Benedict Lust
at the beginning of the twentieth century, naturopathy’s immediate roots go back
to the spa treatments of nineteenth-century Germany, but its founding principles
are in the writings of Hippocrates and other healers of the
ancient world.

The defining principle of naturopathy is vis medicatrix naturae,
or “nature’s healing power.” From this perspective, disease is caused by departing
from the natural way of living, and health is established by returning to it.

Much of conventional medicine’s current interest in diet and lifestyle came into
being through the influence of naturopathic practitioners. There is little doubt
that their general recommendations are health-promoting: Eat a well-balanced diet
rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, maintain a healthful weight,
and avoid toxic habits, such as smoking. It is less clear, however, whether the
more specific dietary suggestions sometimes made by naturopathic practitioners
will actually enhance health. Some of these suggestions include drinking
sixty-four ounces of water daily, eating organic fruits and vegetables, and
avoiding certain food combinations (such as starches and protein).

Herbal medicine. Naturopathic medicine is also largely
responsible for the resurgence in interest in herbal
medicine. Growing scientific evidence suggests that some
herbs have real healing properties.

Vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Naturopathic practitioners
are also known for emphasizing the use of vitamins and supplements. Ironically,
early practitioners of naturopathy were quite opposed to the use of vitamins and
supplements, considering them refined, processed foods (which they are). Matters
changed in the 1960s when Linus Pauling promoted vitamin C as a
cure for many illnesses, leading to the development of orthomolecular
medicine. This approach, now incorporated into naturopathy,
believes that the roots of many diseases may be found in a subtle form of
malnutrition caused by a combination of the following factors: poor diet,
inability to absorb nutrients, increased need for nutrients, and difficulties
metabolizing or using nutrients. When nutrient levels in the body are increased,
the theory goes, the body will have the means to heal itself.

On this principle, naturopathic practitioners often recommend that people take
relatively high doses of certain nutrients in the form of supplements. In
addition, they believe that many non-nutrient substances found in plants can
contribute to health.

Detoxification. Another traditional naturopathic principle is the
concept of detoxification. This term refers to the belief that modern
life, with its chemical pollutants, poor lifestyle habits, and psychological
stresses, causes toxins to accumulate in the body. These toxins are said to be a
major cause of disease, and removing them from the body is believed to promote
health. Detoxification methods include adopting a healthful diet, drinking large
quantities of water, using cleansing herbs and supplements, and undergoing special
processes such as colon-cleansing, liver-flushing, and removal of mercury
fillings. There is little scientific evidence that any of these methods enhance
general health.

Immune support. Immune support is another characteristic
naturopathic interest. Based on the indisputable fact that the body’s
susceptibility to illness is at least as important a factor as its accidental
exposure to microorganisms, naturopathic practitioners utilize a number of
treatments that they believe will enhance immunity. These treatments include a
variety of herbs and supplements and the elimination of certain foods from the
diet, such as white sugar. However, it has proved difficult to establish
scientifically that any treatment does indeed boost immunity.

Adrenal support. Adrenal support is also commonly recommended by
naturopathic practitioners. This method is based on classic studies performed in
the early to mid-twentieth century that found a relationship among stress,
illness, and adrenal function. Naturopathic practitioners frequently recommend
treatments they believe will help the adrenals, including removing sugar and
stimulants from the diet while adding adrenal supplements and other herbs and
supplements said to strengthen adrenal function.

Adrenal support is said to be helpful for a variety of conditions, including
allergies, anxiety, fatigue, and stress. However, the theory of adrenal support
has a limited scientific foundation, and it does not by itself justify the common
therapies used with the diagnosis. Furthermore, there is little specific
scientific evidence to indicate that methods used to support the adrenals are
beneficial for any disease.

Other treatments related to naturopathic medicine. Various other
treatments have gathered under the umbrella of naturopathic medicine more for
historical reasons than for a close connection to vis medicatrix
naturae. These treatments include emphases on the following: food
allergies; the belief that low (rather than high) stomach acid is a cause of many
illnesses; an interest in the yeast Candida and other intestinal
parasites; an interest in certain animal-based hormones, such as thyroid
supplements; and an attitude of caution toward many interventions recommended by
conventional medicine (such as vaccinations).

Diagnostic techniques. Besides its unique treatment approaches,
naturopathic medicine also makes use of a number of characteristic diagnostic
techniques, such as hair and saliva analysis, and a more fine-grained analysis of
standard blood tests than conventional medicine believes to be warranted.

Choosing a Practitioner

Principles of naturopathic medicine are applied by holistic medical doctors
(M.D.’s) and doctors of osteopathy (D.O.’s), chiropractors, massage therapists,
herbalists, and nutritionists. However, the premier practitioners of this form of
medicine are naturopathic physicians (N.D.’s). Several states offer the N.D.
licensure, and most major Canadian provinces also license
N.D.’s. In states where the N.D. license is not granted, N.D.’s may still
practice, although in something of a legal gray zone.

Also, some accredited colleges in North America grant the N.D. degree. These include Bastyr University (Kenmore, Washington), Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (New Westminister, British Columbia), Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, Ontario), National College of Natural Medicine (Portland, Oregon), Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Tempe, Arizona), and the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine (Bridgeport, Connecticut).

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Herman, P. M., et al. “A Method for Describing and Evaluating Naturopathic Whole Practice.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 12 (2006): 20-28.

Leung, B., and M. Verhoef. “Survey of Parents on the Use of Naturopathic Medicine in Children: Characteristics and Reasons.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 14 (2008): 98-104.