The roots of naturopathic medicine reach back to classical times, when the physicians studied the processes of health as well as the processes of disease. Those roots extend even deeper into the soil of time, to an era when humans understand the healing power in their own bodies, as well as in the plants and elements that surround them. The innate healing power, or natural intelligence, directs the body to regenerate and rebalance.
Many technique or healing modalities fit under the umbrella of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine treats disease by treating the patient, with a treatment plan that is individualized to meet the needs of the patient. A treatment plan may include nutritional counselling, herbs, Bach flower remedies for emotional support, hydrotherapy, supplements, aromatherapy, and a discussion of how a specific exercise program will benefit the patient’s health.
A naturopath primary function is to provide information, thus empowering people to regulate their own health and a great deal of time is spent educating them. However I’ve seen time and time again where people just want to take a pill to fix everything for them. They want their health to improve without chancing any of the conditions that are contributing to their illness. The problem with this paradigm is that sometimes the patient’s lifestyle is the cause of the pain.