Naturopathy

Naturopathy (also known as naturopathic medicine or natural medicine) is an eclectic alternative medical system that focuses on natural remedies and the body's vital ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopathic philosophy favors a holistic approach and minimal use of surgery and drugs. Naturopathy comprises many different treatment modalities of varying degrees of acceptance by the medical community; diet and lifestyle advice may be substantially similar to that offered by non-naturopaths, and acupuncture may help reduce pain in some cases, while homeopathy is often characterized as pseudoscience or quackery.

Naturopathy has its origins in the Nature Cure movement of Europe. The term was coined in 1895 by John Scheel and popularized by Benedict Lust, the "father of U.S. naturopathy".

Naturopathy is practiced in many countries, especially the United States and Canada, and is subject to different standards of regulation and levels of acceptance. The level of medical education among naturopaths also varies, though no naturopathic training program reaches the same level of training as an MD or DO. In the United States and Canada, the designation of Naturopathic Doctor (ND) may be awarded after completion of a four year program of study at an accredited Naturopathic medical school that includes the study of basic medical sciences as well as natural remedies and medical care. The scope of practice varies widely between jurisdictions, and naturopaths in unregulated jurisdictions may use the Naturopathic Doctor designation or other titles regardless of level of education.

In India Naturopathy has a preventative approach to health care - it aims to balance the body so that illness is less likely to occur in the future. A naturopath will want to know about a patient's diet, lifestyle, family background and environment, as well as the history of their complaint or illness. This range of information is important to the practitioner, who seeks to discover the cause of illness and treat the whole person, rather than target the symptoms alone. The range of non-invasive techniques used in naturopathy includes:

• Nutrition
• Herbal medicine
• Massage

Naturopathy evolved out of ancient healing traditions and is now recognized by mainstream medicine as a valuable and effective treatment for a variety of disorders. Many naturopathic beliefs - such as the importance of nutrition, exercise and stress management - have been adopted by conventional Western medicine.

Principles

Naturopathic ideology focuses on naturally-occurring and minimally-invasive methods, trusting to the "healing power of nature." Such treatments as "synthetic" drugs, radiation, and major surgery are avoided, and rejection of biomedicine and modern science in favor of an intuitive and vitalistic conception of the body and nature is common. Prevention through stress reduction and a healthy diet and lifestyle is emphasized. The philosophy of naturopathic practice is self-described by six core values. Multiple versions exist in the form of the naturopathic doctor's oath, various mission statements published by schools or professional associations, and ethical conduct guidelines published by regulatory bodies:

1. First, do no harm; provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to patients at all times (primum non nocere).

2. Recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being. (Vis medicatrix naturae, a form of vitalism).

3. Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms (Tolle Causum).

4. Educate, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health (Doctor as Teacher).

5. Treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences. (Treat the Whole Person).

6. Emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent diseases for the individual, each community and our world. (Health Promotion, the Best Prevention).

Practice

The focus of Naturopathy is on its philosophy of natural self-healing rather than specific methods, and practitioners use a wide variety of treatment modalities. Some methods rely on immaterial "vital energy fields," the existence of which has not been proven, and there is concern that naturopathy as a field tends towards isolation from general scientific discourse, though Bastyr, NCNM and CCNM currently maintain research programs,. Bastyr also receives research funding from the NIH, a relationship that began in 1984, when Bastyr became the first naturopathic school to receive a research grant from the NIH. The effectiveness of naturopathy as a whole system has not been systematically evaluated, and efficacy of individual methods used varies.

A consultation typically begins with a lengthy patient interview focusing on lifestyle, medical history, emotional tone, and physical features, as well as physical examination.[1] Naturopaths do not necessarily recommend vaccines and antibiotics, and may provide inappropriate alternative remedies even in cases where evidence-based medicine has been shown effective. All forms of naturopathic education include concepts incompatible with basic science, and do not necessarily prepare a practitioner to make appropriate diagnosis or referrals.

Regulation

In India there is a 5 1/2 year degree course offering a Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) degree. There are a total of 11 colleges in India, of which four colleges are in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Naturopathy and Yoga, as an Indian system of medicine, falls under the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

"Central Council for Research in Naturopathy & Yoga": The Government of India after having recognized the need for systematic research in Yoga & Naturopathy in the country, established the “Central Council for Research in Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy” in 1969 as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This organization, first of its kind was established in India by the central government to conduct scientific research in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Yoga, and existed up to 1978. During this period, the development of Naturopathy was looked after by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare directly. Later, in March 1978, this composite Council was dissolved to pave way for the formation of four independent Research Councils, one each for Ayurveda and Siddha, Unani, Homoeopathy and Yoga & Naturopathy.

"National Institute of Naturopathy" - Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India: The National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune came into existence on 22 December 1986. It encourages facilities for standardization and propagation of the existing knowledge and its application through research in Naturopathy throughout India. This Institute has a “Governing Body” headed by Union Minister for Health as its President.National Institute of Naturopathy Pune.