Definition of naturopathy: what it is
What is naturopathy? Composite discipline, formed by multiple therapies, which approaches discomfort and discomfort with different modalities compared to medicine. Naturopathy is based on a global approach (holistic, from the Greek òlos that is whole) to health: each individual is seen in its totality, not as a sum of symptoms, and uniqueness, as a summa of constitutional characteristics and lifestyle.
The origin of the name is controversial: it derives from the English Nature's path ("The path of nature"), or it also includes another interpretation (" sentire secondo natura ", from the Latin natura and from the Greek pathos ). The word "nature" is always at the center, the nucleus around which all the naturopathy, its disciplines and its techniques revolve.
The study of naturopathy includes elements attributable to classical medicine (anatomy, physiology, general pathology) and elements of traditional Chinese medicine, phytotherapy, aromatherapy, flower therapy, and other natural therapies .
Fundamental rules in naturopathy are: respect for the natural biological laws that regulate life; the attention paid to the person and not only to his disorder; energy balance; proper nutrition; body detoxification.
Naturopathy: very short history
The birth of this "multidiscipline" dates back to the end of the second half of the nineteenth century thanks to the work of an American doctor, Dr. Scheel, who authorized the export of the term "naturopathy" in Germany thanks to the commitment and work of Father Kneipp, the creator of hydrotherapy.
Naturopathy: field of application
Prevention, education and promotion of individual, social and environmental health.
If we were to define what naturopathy is through its end, we would say that naturopathy is not aimed at diagnosing and treating specific pathologies but through drainage and rebalancing interventions, it can favor a possible healing process.
The purpose of naturopathy is to educate people about health and contribute to the energy balance of individuals. Naturopathy does not cure the disease but aims to maintain or restore health "according to nature", to research and act on the true origin and cause of the malaise or disorder.
Ideas for reflection
We can extrapolate some fundamental judgments of the discipline to understand what naturopathy is, trying, eventually, to understand if they can also apply to us.
" Primum non nocere " - First of all, don't hurt yourself, but provide the most effective support with the least risk to the patient.
" Vis medicatrix naturae " - Promote self-healing by stimulating the power of the intrinsic nature of each individual person.
" Tolle causum " - Remove the causes of the disease, rather than suppress the symptoms.
Stimulate the sense of personal responsibility for health and well-being to prevent diseases for the individual, each community and our world.
