Health Society of South Africa

NATUROPATHY
Complementary health care

Understanding Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a form of health care that uses a wide range of natural approaches. Behind naturopathy is the belief that nature itself produces effective medicines. By incorporating natural treatments into your health care, your body may be better able to heal itself.

Finding What Heals the Body
Naturopathy is based on the idea that healing forces exist in nature. These forces may come in the form of healthy foods, herbal remedies and physical touch.

Naturopathy focuses on the whole person and not just symptoms. Care often begins with a one-on-one discussion to reveal details about your health. A naturopath also may ask about your personal and work life or your beliefs and attitudes. Or, you may be asked about the foods you eat, how much you exercise and other lifestyle issues.

Naturopathy also emphasises illness prevention. With this in mind, your naturopath may help you improve your diet, quit smoking and reduce stress.

Is Naturopathy Right for You?

Take the time to learn about naturopathy. Think about your goals. What do you expect from naturopathy? How do you believe it may help you? Answering these questions and others can help you decide if naturopathy is right for you.

Choices in Naturopathy
Naturopathy may involve combining a number of specialities. Ask the naturopath whether he or she focuses on different areas of care. Some may include:

Herbal therapy
Homeopathy
Physiotherapy and massage therapy
Nutritional and lifestyle counselling
Acupuncture
Stress management
Natural childbirth

Questions for the Naturopath
Before you decide whether to have naturopathic treatment, talk with a naturopath. Asking him or her some of these questions may help you make an informed decision:

What kind of training do you have?
How long have you been practicing?
Will naturopathy help my condition?
What experience have you had treating a problem like mine?
Will you work with my medical doctor?
What will a typical visit be like?
How long will treatment take and how much will it cost?

The Qualified Naturopath
Licensing standards for naturopaths may vary. A qualified caregiver has a degree from a naturopathic college. Look for the ND designation after his or her name. Many aspects of training are similar to those of a medical doctor.

Exploring Options with Your Doctor
When seeking complementary care, it's always a good idea to stay in close contact with your medical doctor. Ideally, you, your doctor, and your complementary care provider will work as a team. Together, you can ensure that the care you receive is right for you. And you can make sure that one type of care doesn't interfere with the other. This can be especially important with naturopathy since it uses a wide range of treatments. Herbs, diet changes or other aspects of naturopathic treatment can affect your other health care. Discuss this issue with your doctor.

Questions Worth Asking
Do you have specific concerns about naturopathy being used in my treatment?
What professional experience have you had working with naturopaths?
Can you recommend an experienced naturopath you've worked with before?

Learning More

Discuss with friends and family any experiences they may have had with naturopathy The people who know you are often your best resource. Also, research naturopathy in your local library or on the internet.