Naturopathic Philosophy
The human being exists as part of humanity and is reliant upon the earth for life. The earths elements (earth, air, water & fire) are part of the ‘laws of nature’ to which no human exists separately. Alongside and not separate from the laws of nature exists energy and light which is referred to by Naturopaths as the vital force. Nature cure recognises that a healthy environment builds health and that a destructive environment weakens health in an individual. In nature cure, the objective is to build health in a person keeping with the laws of nature, while doing no harm.
The way to treat disease is to find the cause first and ameliorate the symptoms second. Treating the symptoms only will not treat the cause and therefore not improve health over time; this is an underpinning principle of Naturopathy. Conversely if symptoms are repressed or ignored through use of various strong medicines and incorrect treatment, the results may be harmful to the human body thereby weakening the overall health of the individual.
There are a number of Naturopathic concepts derived from ancient medicine. Today much is known about herbs as natural remedies for example, thanks to the learning of our ancestors dating back to the earliest hunters and gatherers.
Many traditional health care systems such as Ayurvedic medicine from India and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indigenous Medicine, Homoeopathy, and Iridology can offer much information to traditional Allopathic (mainstream) medicine. As the 21st century is very fast paced and can be stressful, it’s important that an individual has a right to choose the modes of health care and healing that suits their personal health history and lifestyle.
Natural medicine including vitamins and minerals, essences and herbs all complement health and are in keeping with the constructive principle in nature, which is to build up health. Often utilised alongside natural medicines are both musculoskeletal / body and energy therapies which can assist the flow of energy around the body to encourage a healthy Vital force, the essence that animates the living cells.
Some popular Manual and Energy therapies include Massage, Bowen therapy, Reiki, Polarity therapy, Reflexology, Kinesiology, Hydrotherapy, Shamanic, Medical intuitive, and Energetic and Spiritual Healing. All of these affirm a connection to the vital force and greater universal energy. They are valuable components of healing and health care systems, and are important because they consider the individual needs of a person and treat each presenting complaint uniquely.
A noted physician of the 15th century Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim or more widely known as Paracelsus was a medical intuitive healer and very knowledgeable physician who contributed volumes of writings and findings about natural health care and medicines throughout his lifetime. His works are still referred to today. Medical intuitive healers may provide accurate guidance of how to approach health issues thus saving a person time in getting to underlying factors contributing to the disease state.
Medicines, both Allopathic (mainstream medicine) and Naturopathic medicines might cause toxicity and unwanted side effects. A Naturopath is trained to prescribe appropriate dosages of natural medicines, and to not prescribe those remedies that are known to interact with allopathic medicines.
Naturopathic ‘Nature Cure‘ recognises fresh air, sunshine, exercise, fresh food, hygiene, and mental well-being to be the main factors support and individuals health. In the 21st century much medical knowledge and choice is available. It is possible to live in harmony with nature and nature cure if one is informed and empowered with the knowledge and freedom to choose healthcare that doesn’t cause harm, rather builds health, and that suits both individual and collective lifestyle and healthcare needs.