Naturopathy is quickly gaining roots in our culture as a favourable alternative to established Western medical practices.
Many people who are suffering from chronic or persistent illnesses are starting to seek natural remedies to help them. Following years of unsuccessful attempts with Western medicine, some people are looking to natural medicine to eliminate the toxic side effects of drugs and to bring their body back into balance with minimal disruption.
Each type of medicinal practice has its rightful place. We aren’t here to say that one is better than another. Instead, more people are finding the balance of how traditional medicine and natural alternatives can co-exist with one another.
What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a system of healthcare that’s based on alternative medicine practices. It’s based on the theory that illnesses and diseases can be overcome without relying on drugs.
Common techniques used include:
- Shift in diet
- Exercise
- Massage
- Natural or herbal remedies
The practice of naturopathy is non-invasive by nature and focuses on bringing the body back into alignment with as little intrusion or damage as possible.
Who is naturopathy best suited to?
If you’re suffering from an ailment and you’ve seen doctor after doctor for years on end with no sign of improvement, there may be a chance that natural therapies can help you.
Established Western medicine practices certainly have their place, and rightly so. In the case of a broken bone or the need for an emergency operation, Western medicinal practices and hospitals are the go to solution.
There are however circumstances for which natural alternatives might be a better option. Many chronic illnesses often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by Western medical practitioners. They don’t turn up in medical examinations and doctors don’t always have a solution.
Not only that, much of Western medicine and drugs administered come with added side effects that often make pre-existing conditions worse.
This is why alternative medicine and therapies have started to take root in Western culture. Taking inspiration from other cultures in which healthcare is measured by a doctor’s ability to keep their clients healthy rather than their response to sickness, naturopathy subverts the way we look at health.
Taking a health first approach
It is said that in the Orient, the success of doctors and other medical practitioners is measured by their ability to keep their patients healthy. If a patient becomes ill, the doctor will not receive payment until the patient is well again.
This type of approach is preventative in nature and directly contrasts with the approach we take in the West, which is reactive. Western medical practitioners receive payment when their patients become ill, and oftentimes, the success of the therapy is inconclusive.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 73% of deaths are due to chronic diseases. In 2014-15, around 50% of Australians were reported to suffer from at least one of the eight major chronic diseases.
These staggering statistics speak to the need for a different approach in the healthcare system. Naturopathy is being turned to as a potential solution in countries like India to help combat escalating health costs and limited results.
By focusing on health cultivation through preventative approaches, we can change the way healthcare is viewed in Australia as well. Rather than a reactive response to disease, it can be one of celebration of nature’s healing powers and ability to rejuvenate us.
Interested in finding out more about naturopathy?
Why not make a booking with one of our naturopaths in Sydney?
We offer face to face and online sessions. If you have any specific questions about how a naturopath can help you, you’re also welcome to enquire online at any time!
