Naturopathy is a school of medical philosophy which believes in healing the ailments by helping the body's natural ability to heal itself by removing obstacles in the path and, providing appropriate support to restore vitality and create well-being. Naturopathy has its roots deeply engulfed in a variety of world medicine practices, which includes Ayurveda of India and Nature Cure of Europe. At present it is being practiced in many countries around the world in one form or another. Naturopathic practitioners always prefer not to use persistent surgery, synthetic drugs etc. If the patient does not respond to naturopathic treatments, they are referred to physicians who apply standard medical care to treat the disease.



The term naturopathy was coined before 1900, by John Scheel, and effectively used by Benedict Lust. Naturopathy lost its popularity after the discovery of penicillin and advent of synthetic drugs. Naturopathy never completely ceased to exist although its popularity declined considerably. The most visible step towards renewal of naturopathy was the opening of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 1956. Naturopathy is very popular in India, and there are number of naturopathic hospitals in the country. The Indian stream of naturopathy differs from the Western stream in many ways.

Naturopathy is based on philosophical principles, the healing power of nature is the inbuilt self-organizing and healing process of living systems which begins, preserves and refurbish health. The naturopathy supports and augments the process by identifying and removing obstacles to health and recovery by supporting the creation of a healthy internal and external environment. Any Illness does not occur without cause. Symptoms can be expressions of the body's attempt to defend itself, to adapt and recover, to heal it, or may be the result of the causes of disease. The naturopathic seeks to treat the causes of disease, rather than to eliminate merely or suppress symptoms.

Naturopathy uses methods which minimizes the harmful effects, and apply the least intervention necessary to diagnose illness and restore health. Whenever possible the suppression of symptoms is avoided to minimize interference of the healing process. Naturopathy respects and works with the self-healing process because if it is not respected the patient may be harmed. A principal objective of naturopathy is to educate the patient and highlight self responsibility for health. Health and disease are the result of complex physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Naturopathy recognizes the harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual as being essential to health. Naturopathy treats the whole person taking all these factors into account. Naturopathy laid emphasis on the study of health as well as disease. The prevention of disease and the achievement of best health in patients are key objectives of naturopathy. Naturopathy claims that one cannot be healthy in an unhealthy environment.

Naturopathy provides diagnostic options like iridology, body signs and holistic diagnosis, medical tests and referrals, functional test referrals. Naturopathy uses variety of non-toxic, non-pharmaceutical treatments. All naturopaths are trained in the following natural therapies:

Clinical Nutrition

Botanical Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine

Acupuncture

Physical Medicine

Naturopathy can effectively treat most of the health problems in combination with medical treatment or as an alternative. Naturopathy is well suited to unrelieved conditions such as arthritis, asthma, skin disorders and digestive problems. Naturopathy is also highly effective for the treatment of female menstrual problems such as period pain, excessive or disordered menstruation, pre-menstrual syndrome, and fertility issues. Children's health problems ranging from gastrointestinal upsets right all the way through behavioral disorders also react exceptionally well to naturopathy treatment.

Naturopathy addresses all facets of an individual's life, recognizes and deals with the force that strain and life events have on a patient's health and supporting patients to make effective lifestyle options.