Naturopathic medicine is an ancient medicine that has been applied through history, since the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, 2400 years ago. By the 18th century, Conventional medicine emerged, and replaced Naturopathic medicine. In the early 20th century Naturopathic medicine flourished back. It was supported by the aim of the patients to have further control over their health. The first North American Naturopathic medicine college was established by the end of the 19th century, and the first graduate cohort of Naturopathic Doctors was in 1902.
Naturopathic medicine is the medicine that deals with the patient as a whole. Visiting a Naturopathic Doctor for asthma, as an example, would ensure the treatment of asthma, as well as other underlying medical conditions related to asthma, gastrointestinal problems for example, beside addressing further issues like food sensitivities and other allergic conditions that he/she is suffering from.
The symptoms of diseases are considered, in Naturopathic medicine, a roadmap to the underlying root cause of diseases. Analysing the root cause and working with the patient to remove it is the primary role of Naturopathic medicine. The holistic approach of Naturopathic medicine is achieved through its multiple modalities. Nutrition, Herbal medicine, Acupuncture, Counselling, Exercise, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy and Chiropractic interventions are the modalities used by Naturopathic medicine. Having multiple modalities in the portfolio of Naturopathic medicine guarantees its holistic approach.
Visiting a Naturopathic Doctor guarantees enough time to the patient to discuss his multiple existing complaints. A visit at a Naturopathic clinic ranges from 45 minutes to one hour. During this time, the Doctor and the Patient would be capable of setting a holistic treatment plan to achieve the goals of the patient for his health. Health is a journey that is worth the time and effort of both the patient and the Naturopathic Doctor.
