Naturopathy is a distinct system of Primary Health Care- an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. The principles of Naturopathy were first used by the Hippocratic School of Medicine in about 400B.C. The Greek philosopher Hippocrates believed in viewing the whole person in regards to finding a cause of the disease and using the laws of nature to induce cure. It was from this original school of thought that Naturopathy takes its principles. These principles are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and are continually re-examined in the light of scientific advances. Methods used are consistent with these principles and are chosen upon the basis of patient individuality. Naturopathic physicians are primary health care practitioners whose diverse techniques include modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods. Naturopathy is patient driven and caters for the specific needs unique to every patient’s experience of illness through the support and stimulation of the body’s own inherent healing capacity. And to accomplish this, several fundamental components of health such as biochemistry, biomechanics, and emotional temperament as underpinned by science alongside the traditional cornerstones such as good nutrition and hygiene are considered.
Naturopathy is built on 6 basic principles:
1. Primum non nocere- First do no harm! Naturopathic treatments are designed to support the body and gently assist it towards optimal health. Naturopathic philosophy regards illness as a purposeful process of the organism, which requires all therapeutics to be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process.
2. Vis Medicatrix Naturae- The Healing Power of Nature. Naturopaths believe that nature heals through the response of the life force. Natural remedies and treatment are therefore prescribed to maintain and restore health. Interventions are applied in co-operative partnership with the patient.
3. Tolle causam- Identify and treat the cause. Naturopaths maintain that illness does not occur without a cause. Symptoms are regarded as expressions of the body’s attempt to heal, but are not perceived as the cause of disease. Practitioners focus on finding the underlying causes of disease and removing obstacles to health and recovery in order to facilitate and augment the inherent healing process.
4. Tolle Totum- Treat the Whole Person. Naturopathy recognizes the integrity of the whole person and takes into account the multi-factorial aspects that lead to manifestation of ill health. The complex interaction of physical mental, spiritual, emotional, genetic, social and environmental factors are all taken into account in the formulation of specific holistic treatment plans that ensure each person is treated according to his or her own unique set of symptoms and reactions.
5. Docere- The Physician as teacher. Combined with accurate diagnosis and appropriate prescription, the naturopathic practitioner focuses on educating and empowering the patient to participate in and take responsibility for their own healing process.
6. Pre occupo est optimus remedium- Prevention is the Best Cure. Naturopaths assess risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and make appropriate interventions to avoid further harm and risk to the patient. The naturopathic emphasis is fundamentally on building health, rather than fighting disease.
Currently training for Naturopathy in Southern Africa is only offered at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. A Bachelor of Science in Complementary Health Sciences (BSc CHS) is awarded after three years of intense undergraduate training. Thereafter full-time training for professional practitioner status leads to the award of a two- year Degree in Naturopathy. Training of Complementary medical students is quite intensive and should empower a graduate to do the following:
· Take a complete medical and detailed case history.
· Perform a physical examination and interpret ancillary tests.
· Make a clinical diagnosis and a diagnosis in terms of the naturopathic philosophy.
· Develop a treatment plan in accordance with the scope of practice of naturopathy.
After the complete 5 year training programme Naturopaths register with the Allied Health Professions Council in order to be able to practice and have to comply to the Allied Health Professions Act.
Authors: Dr Gilda Haitamba-Shindume and Dr. Petrina Auino
Powered by E2
© 2022 NAHNP
Admin login | Website login |
MYMEMBERSHIP®