The Art of Naturopathic Healing in Fertility
Naturopathy, also often referred to as Naturopathic medicine, is a system of healing that uses non-toxic, non-invasive, and natural methods to support the body to heal. Naturopathic medicine and its practitioners see the human body as a whole, integrated system whereby one system never works in isolation. By working on the entire body, one’s healing capacity and homeostasis can be optimised.
History of Naturopathy
Naturopathic medicine is over 2,500 years old and has its roots in Ancient Greece. Hippocrates laid the foundational concepts that have been maintained in naturopathic philosophy.
The 6 Tenants of Naturopathic Medicine are:
First, do no harm
The healing power of nature is to be the primary source
Find and treat the cause whenever possible, not only symptoms
Doctor as teacher role
Treat the whole person (not just parts)
Education and prevention are important
More modern aspects of Naturopathic medicine stem from Europe. In the 1800s methods of healing involving hydrotherapy (Kneipp hot/cold therapy), homeopathy and herbalism reached the US, UK and Australia from Germany. The first school for Naturopathic Medicine in the United States was founded in 1901. (1)
Similar to MDs, today’s Naturopaths are trained in biology, anatomy, physiology and bio-chemistry. The difference lies in applying healing modalities. Whereas allopathic (conventional medical) doctors focus mainly on relieving symptoms through bio-chemical (pharmaceutical) and mechanical (surgery and physiotherapy) means, Naturopaths employ various modalities to encourage the innate healing of the body and looks at how the interrelated systems are working together in order to increase healing potential.
Both conventional medicine and Naturopathic medicine are useful, particularly for those wanting to conceive. One approach is not better than the other, they both have merit depending on the context and condition to be treated. In fact, some treatment methods employed by Naturopaths are commonly used by MDs in Europe.
In the majority of cases, both approaches can be combined to optimise the likelihood of conceiving.
What happens during a consultation with a Naturopath?
The first consultation is typically anywhere from 60-90 minutes. A Naturopath will review your health history and on occasion recommend additional testing, if necessary. Subsequent consultations will often be a minimum of 30 minutes.
A proper intake requires time. In order to get an overview of the body and its systems, a Naturopath takes great care to analyse your particular needs. In addition, suggestions will be made to increase health and create a change in lifestyle to support the modalities that will be used during your treatment.
What modalities are used in Naturopathic medicine?
There is a wide variety of healing modalities used by Naturopaths. The following list is not exhaustive but is included here to give a basic overview. Each practitioner may incorporate many of these or other modalities not listed here:
Orthomolecular Medicine and Nutritional Therapy
Photo-Bio Modulation and Laser Therapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Acupuncture, acupressure and moxibustion
Detoxification
Ayurvedic Medicine
Kinesiology
Iridology
Reflexology
Herbal Remedies
Nervous System Regulation / Somatic Practices
Homeopathy
Cranial-Sacral / Osteopathy
Quantum or Bio-photon medicine
Has Naturopathy been proven to work?
In Australia alone, over 4.9 million consultations are conducted each year. (1) There must be something to it!
A review conducted by Southern Cross University of 33 studies demonstrated “naturopathic treatment results in clinically significant benefits.” (2)
Naturopathic medicine can be beneficial to those that want to support their potential to conceive by implementing targeting modalities and lifestyle changes.
Sources:
https://www.hospitalhealth.com.au/content/aged-allied-health/news/naturopathy-the-evidence-is-clear-186394127#:~:text=The review looked at 33,range of complex chronic conditions.