Naturopathy II -- with Dr. David Cohen, ND, PhD, MH, CNC

We begin with the simple statement that naturopathy, inarguably the healthiest, and safest approach to treating health conditions by utilizing the body's inherent ability to heal, has never been exceeded or equalled by what is commonly referred to as "conventional medicine." As we learned in Naturopthy I,   naturopathic physicians aid the healing process by incorporating a wide range of alternative methods based on the patient's individual needs, the patient's individual "balance point" of maximum health.

More often than not, we can reasonably expect less pain, less time and effort resolving the issue, less financial cost, less aggravation.

Diet, lifestyle, work, and personal history are all considered when determining a treatment regimen. If you're genuinely tired of paying high medical costs, and sitting in waiting rooms listening to your arteries harden, try the healthier, more effective naturopathic approach. It's been working for thousands of years, and now we have the precision of technologies that enable us to see what needs fixing, ... and without a scalpel invading the human body if it's not absolutely necessary.

With naturopathic medicine, disease is seen as a manifestation of the natural causes by which the body heals itself.  For example, fever and inflammation are viewed as the body's way of dealing with an imbalance that is undermining the healthy functioning of the body.  However, if the cause of the imbalance is not removed, the inflammatory responses will continue, either at a lower level of intensity or intermittently.  This can be the origin of chronic disease.  Healing a chronic disease requires the removal of the underlying cause.  This usually culminates in a return of an acute episode, called a "healing crises" or "reaction," a keynote of naturopathic medical theory.  Following this the condition improves.

Although naturopathic physicians emphasize therapeutic choices based on individual interest and experience, as well as the legal parameters of the state in which he or she practices, they maintain a consistent philosophy.  All have been trained in the basic tools of natural therapeutics, and most work with diet and nutrition while specializing in one or more other therapeutic methods.

After identifying which conditions in the patient manifest in illness, the naturopathic physician advises the patient on the methods most appropriate for creating a return to health.  In order to become free of illness, it is often necessary for the patient to make both dietary and lifestyle changes.  Homeopathy or acupuncture are often used to stimulate recovery.  Herbal medicines may be used as tonics and nutritive agents to support and strengthen weakened systems, while specific nutritional agents such as vitamin and mineral supplements and glandular tissue extracts might also be utilized.  Hydrotherapy and various types of physical therapy may be required.  Additionally, it is important that major emotional stresses be eased to allow the digestive system to function in the relaxed environment required for proper digestion.

Finally, underlying many illnesses is a spiritual disharmony.  This may be experienced as a feeling of deep unease or insufficient strength of will necessary to sustain the healing process.  For lasting good health to be established, this disharmony must be overcome.  Naturopathic physicians can play an important role in guiding patients to discover the course of action most appropriate.