Naturopathy is an alternative medicine practice that focuses on a holistic approach to health and well-being. Founded on the principle that the body has an innate capacity to heal itself, naturopathy aims to support and strengthen this natural process. Naturopaths use a range of non-invasive and natural methods, such as nutrition and healthy eating, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and various stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga.
A key element of naturopathy is the personalization of treatments. Naturopaths evaluate each patient as a whole, considering the physical, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors that may affect their health. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, naturopathy seeks to identify and treat the underlying causes of health problems.
Naturopaths specialize in the treatment and prevention of various health conditions, primarily focusing on chronic disorders and overall health issues. They address issues such as digestive disorders, allergies, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. In addition to treating specific conditions, naturopathy aims to strengthen the immune system and improve overall well-being by encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Naturopaths use natural therapies and personalized advice to help their patients achieve balance and optimal health.
A naturopath evaluates and treats patients using a holistic and natural approach. They consider the physical, emotional, and sometimes social and spiritual aspects of an individual’s health. Their work involves creating personalized treatment plans, which may include dietary recommendations, use of herbal remedies, nutritional supplement advice, relaxation and stress management techniques, and other natural therapies . Naturopaths focus not only on treating symptoms, but also on preventing disease and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
People choose to see a naturopath for a variety of reasons. Some seek natural alternatives to conventional medications, while others want a more holistic and personalized approach to their health. Naturopathy is particularly valued for its emphasis on prevention and its ability to treat the underlying causes of health problems, rather than focusing solely on the symptoms. It is also useful for those looking to improve their overall well-being, manage stress, improve their diet, or adopt a healthier lifestyle.
A typical naturopathy session begins with an in-depth consultation, where the naturopath assesses the patient’s general health, medical history, diet, lifestyle, and emotions. This may include detailed questions, physical examinations, and sometimes diagnostic tests. The naturopath will use this information to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary changes, natural supplements, medicinal herbs, and stress management techniques. The approach is often gradual, with adjustments based on the patient’s response to treatment.
Naturopaths are not conventional doctors, although they have extensive training in natural health and basic sciences. Their training varies considerably between countries and regions. In some places, naturopaths are recognized and regulated, and must complete specific university training as well as obtain certification. However, they do not practice conventional medicine and are generally not qualified to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or perform surgeries.
Naturopathy combines traditional practices and evidence-based approaches. Some of its methods, such as nutrition and the use of certain medicinal plants, have been supported by scientific research. However, other aspects of naturopathy, such as homeopathy, are more controversial and lack solid scientific evidence. Due to this diversity of practices and levels of evidence, naturopathy is often subject to debate in the medical community.
Naturopathy is best used as a complement to conventional medicine, not as a substitute in its own right. For serious or urgent medical conditions, it is crucial to consult a conventional doctor first. Naturopathy can offer additional support, focusing on improving overall health, managing chronic symptoms, and preventing disease through natural means.
The benefits of naturopathy include a personalized and holistic approach to health, which considers all aspects of an individual’s life. It emphasizes prevention and patient education to encourage them to play an active role in their own health. Naturopathy uses natural therapies that tend to have fewer side effects than conventional medications. It can be particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions, improving quality of life, and promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyle habits.
Naturopathy can benefit a wide variety of people, but it is not always suitable for every situation. It is important to take into account individual health conditions, ongoing medical treatments, and possible interactions between natural therapies and conventional medications. Before beginning naturopathic treatment, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
The term “blackcurrant” takes its etymology from the Phoenician. This vegetal blackcurrant is a word appearing in the 16th century, at the same time as the first writings granted to it ( Rembert Dodoens , 1583) as well as the first medicinal mentions of its leaves and fruits ( Petrus Forestus , 1614). A little history Dodoens is Flemish, Forestus is Dutch. They are therefore … Read more
Who hasn’t dreamt of sporting a radiant, perfect white, pearly smile like the stars of Hollywood ? Dazzling white teeth are often associated with good health. But immaculate white has never been the natural colour of teeth. Made up of a thin layer of translucent enamel under which most of its material (dentine) lies, its … Read more
The sleep is one of the pillars of our health. However, many are those who suffer from disorders (1 French in 5). From severe insomnia to interrupted and poor quality rest , including repetitive difficulty falling asleep, the range of symptoms is wide. Many become fatalistic in the face of this serious problem, and end up “getting used to it” as best they can, accumulating an increasingly important sleep debt . What … Read more
Caralluma flowers give off such a putrid smell that the Arab nomads nicknamed it qahr al-luhum (carnal sore, abscess). Over time and trade, the plant arrived in the West where its name was Latinized in Caralluma . It is a so-called “succulent” plant: it is capable of storing water in its stems and leaves . In fact, it was traditionally used by the Indians … Read more
Alongside age-related macular degeneration, cataracts are a degenerative eye disease whose prevalence is increasing as the population ages. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, with 18 million cases, according to the WHO. In France, 600,000 cataracts are operated on every year. The incidence of cataracts increases with age, affecting around 20% of people … Read more
Homeopathy, a branch of medicine often shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding, has been around for over 150 years. It is attracting growing interest but remains, for many, a vague and ill-defined concept. Against this backdrop, this article aims to clarify the true principles and methods of homeopathy, disentangling the facts from the preconceptions. From the … Read more
Vitamin A This vitamin is present in our body in the form of retinol among others. Unfortunately, these molecules are altered by the oxygen in the air, so it is important to replenish our needs on a daily basis. This vitamin is essential for our visual system and any deficiency could lead to blindness quite quickly, … Read more
Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are acute (sudden) complications of vascular disease , caused by a stop of the blood supply in a brain territory (cerebral infarction or DALY – ischemic) or a rupture of a vessel (hemorrhage). cerebro-meningeal or AVCH – hemorrhagic). They are thus the third leading cause of death in France and the leading cause of disability. Their most common manifestation is hemiplegia (paralysis of a hemibody). What … Read more
The word artichoke is explained by an etymology of Arabic origin “ ardi chouk” , which means: “thorny terrestrial”, taken up and transformed by the Lombard term “ articiocco” . But at this point, we are still far from Lombardy. However, the future artichoke, a cardoon in transformation , slowly takes its path and reaches the kingdom of Naples in the 15th century, … Read more
Prostate adenoma or benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common disease in men over the age of 50. It is often the cause of urinary problems that affect the quality of daily life. Although it is difficult to prevent the onset of prostate adenoma, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce discomfort and complications associated with … Read more
Summer is drawing to a close. Back to school and the vermilion autumn leaves that herald the new season… Naturally, a certain melancholy is mixed in with the cooler mornings. Because the end of the holidays means a return to the daily routine and its share of worries: waking up with a jolt, racing against … Read more
The 19th-century mythologist Angelo de Gubernatis relates an interesting fact. According to him, mixing nettle seed with the bran given to hens increased egg production. What appeared to be a simple propitiatory ritual turned out to be true. It is now recognised that nettle seed stimulates hens to lay eggs. In Scandinavian countries, it makes … Read more
Much more used by popular medicine, milk thistle will have to wait until the beginning of the 16th century before therapists finally take it into consideration . However, from the eighteenth century, the virtues of milk thistle, as diverse as they are, were thrown away by practitioners. Whatever. The twentieth century will restore the image of this repudiated plant. A little history The name milk thistle … Read more
Petite, vivace et rustique, l’alchémille ne peut prétendre à la sensualité et la luxuriance de certaines autres plantes. Cependant, elle se distingue par sa capacité à recueillir la rosée dans ses feuilles. Cette eau, plus qu’une simple rosée, est également une eau végétale excrétée par la plante elle-même, nommée « eau céleste ». En raison … Read more
The breast milk meets all the needs of your baby and contains vitamins, minerals, trace elements, sugars, fats and protein your baby needs to grow well, all right quantity. However, it happens that the young mother cannot or does not wish to give the breast. In this case, the non-breastfeeding woman had to choose between 1st age … Read more
Infant colic is spasmodic abdominal pain suffered by babies from the 2nd or 3rd week of life, which generally disappears between the ages of 3 and 6 months. Colic is common, affecting around 25% of infants. It can occur in both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, and in the vast majority of cases is a benign … Read more
The belief of the Ancients was based on the idea of a plant that was not born from a seed. A plant with ashen leaves, a flavour reminiscent of soot and the smell of smoke, with a vaporous, evanescent appearance that evokes a blurred silhouette just like smoke rising from the bowels of the Earth… … Read more
Host of the countryside, the hawthorn likes the edge of forests where it seems to be on guard, both in the direction of open and covered places where, then, we see it teaming up with large deciduous or coniferous trees. But it is undoubtedly none to the hedge that it is, with the black thorn, … Read more
Who does not remember these Mediterranean landscapes where the dark cypress raises its narrow mourning columns against the violent blue of the sky? Before embellishing the Côte d’Azur and playing the useful role of a rampart against the wind and sand, the cypress took root in Asia Minor , where its presence is recorded in an old Assyrian … Read more
Activated charcoal (or vegetable charcoal)is obtained from organic plant materials rich in carbon: wood, coconut shells, olive pits, bark, etc. This material is subjected to calcination and then to a thermal shock. This eliminates most of the elements that form it. At the exit, we obtain a material composed almost exclusively of carbon. The only peculiarity: it retains certain molecules which come … Read more