Naturopathy—Medicine Whose Time Has Come?

by Gregory T. Lawton, D.N., D.C., M.Ac. (Diplomat)

Chances are your grandmother did it, and maybe your mother did it, too. It is not unusual to learn that Grandma Mattie, or Aunt Hattie would whip up herbal concoctions in the kitchen. Maybe they were naturopaths. 

What is a naturopath? A naturopath practices natural medicine, or naturopathy. Naturopathy means using nature to treat suffering (pathos) or disease. The naturopath employs the centuries old methods of herbal medicine, nutrition, fasting and diet, exercise, hydro-therapy, and massage. In a sense naturopathy is as old as healing itself.

The word naturopathy was developed about 100 years ago, but the concepts of healing that are used by the naturopath can be traced back to the beginning of recorded history. Naturopathic practices, based on healing by natural means such as using herbs, have been found to have been used for 11,000 years. One naturopath of note was Hippocrates, who although claimed by modern medical doctors as the father of medicine, was in reality a natural physician who commonly used herbs, diet, water therapy, and massage for healing.

Thomas Edison, a strong supporter of natural medicine, said that “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” The central tenets of naturopathy include: 

• “Primum non nocere,” or do not harm
• Recognize and use the healing power of nature
• Find and treat the cause of disease
• Teach health and educate your patients
• Respect and honor the total person
• Use prevention over treatment

Naturopathy, although not always called that, has been a global experience in that every culture and country in the world has had, and in most cases still uses natural medicine. China developed traditional Chinese medicine which is mainly the practice of herbal medicine, diet, massage and acupuncture; in India Ayurveda was developed which also relies upon herbs, food, water and massage therapy; and in the United States many of the herbal remedies used by naturopaths today, originated with the native American Shaman. 

Modern naturopathy has built upon this ancient heritage and naturopathic doctors are now graduates of four and five year educational programs. They use medical tests and diagnostic methods combined with new approaches in clinical nutrition, diet, exercise, herbal medicine, and may also practice acupuncture and manual therapy. 

To find a qualified naturopathic physician near you contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at:
 
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW Suite 350
Washington, DC 20016
Toll free: 1-866-538-2267
Local: 202-895-1392
Fax: 202-274-1992
 
There are a number of excellent naturopaths practicing in Michigan and the organization cited above provides access to their names and addresses at www.naturopathic.org. If you are interested in becoming a naturopath, this same organization and website provides links to naturopathic colleges. In Michigan, the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provides a state licensed five year naturopathic health care training  program.

Dr. Gregory T. Lawton is the owner and founder of the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences. He is the author of over 30 books on healthcare. 1-616-285-9999; www.BlueHeronAcademy.com