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Differentiate between the view of health and illness as seen through conventional medicine (the
MD) and naturopathic medicine (NMD). What healing techniques do Naturopaths commonly
use in their offices? What struggles has the Naturopathic profession faced since it started in the
early 1900's?
Health and Illness are viewed differently when it comes to conventional medicine and
naturopathic medicine. Conventional medicine is concerned only with curing the illness and
making the patient healthy by way of prescription (synthetic, chemically made) drugs and
surgeries. Naturopathic medicine is different; they look at the whole body with a holistic
approach. Naturopathic is a whole body health care system based on the belief that the body
has the potential to heal itself and that the physicians role is to support the bodys effort.
The main part of a Naturopathic Doctors treatment focuses on balancing the four major
body systems: immune system, hormonal system, detoxification (digestive) system, and the
nervous system. (Wireman, M., PP slide 16). Naturopathic Doctors and patients work together
to find the most suitable treatment for the patient. The patient is involved with the treatment
process and are responsible for their part in the treatment. To achieve balance, the Naturopathic
Doctors like to have the patients use therapies that are non-invasive, no surgery and no drugs
(last options). Instead they recommend that the patient get fresh air, sunlight, water, rest and
exercise. (Synovitz and Larson, page 125). A major part of Naturopathic Medicine is
counseling and teaching the patient about proper nutrition. Naturopaths use botanical medicine
(phytotherapy) for treating disease conditions. Vitamins and homeopathic substances (tissue cell
salts), they may also use energy work, massage, physical therapy, TCM, bodywork, and
Since the early 1900s Naturopathic Medicine has faced many challenges due to lack of
scientific validation and the introduction of pharmaceuticals. In the early 1900s the first school
of Naturopathy was established in New York. The American Naturopathic Association was
founded in 1919; it was accepted by 19 states. (Synovitz and Larson, page 122). It quickly lost
the American publics interest. Soon pharmaceuticals would flood the medical scene and
become the quick fix for illness and creating better health. It would be several decades before
Naturopathic Medicine would again see a rise in popularity. People began to become health
conscious again in the 70s and 80s and the health conscious trend has continued. A major
reason for the continued increased interest in alternative medicine is the cost of traditional health
care. People want and need a more affordable way to be and stay healthy and live longer lives.
Synovitz, Linda Baily., and Karl L. Larson. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Health
Professionals: A Holistic Approach to Consumer Health. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2013.
Professor Wireman, Mark. Powerpoint lecture discussion 6: Naturopathic Medicine, 2016.