People are increasingly seeking out alternative medicine treatments. More and more of these patients turn to naturopathic medicine in order to cure common ailments. Some are attracted to it for its spiritual aspects, others for its physical benefits.

But what is the truth about naturopathic medicine? What are its benefits and potential risks? In this article, we’ll look at all that you need to know about naturopathic medicine. We’ll also look at whether it’s safe and worth considering, or whether you should stick to more traditional medical treatments.

What is naturopathy?

Naturopathy, also referred to as naturopathic medicine, is a holistic, natural approach to health that focuses on disease prevention, treatment, and the overall wellness of the individual. It is based on the principle that “like cures like”, meaning that diseases can be treated by using methods to boost the body’s own defense system. Naturopathic doctors use treatments including acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle counseling, and more.

The naturopathic medical system is based on the belief that all diseases are caused by a lack of vital force or energy in the body. This energy can be restored through a variety of methods such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Naturopathic physicians are not licensed to prescribe drugs or perform surgery but they do have prescription rights for some treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine.

What exactly do naturopathic doctors do?

A naturopathic is a licensed health care provider who specializes in the use of natural therapies to promote healing. Naturopaths use a variety of approaches, including dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle modifications, to treat their patients. Their primary goal is to help their patients regain health and live at their optimal level.

Naturopathic doctors have advanced education in biology, chemistry, immunology, nutritional science, clinical nutrition, psychology, philosophy, and the study of human health. While attending school, naturopathic students work closely with licensed physicians and other health care professionals.

Because they are not medical doctors, they cannot prescribe medications to patients. Instead, they will refer patients to a licensed medical doctor (MD) who is trained in prescribing medications. They are often seen as a complement to traditional medical treatments, rather than as a replacement.

Types of therapies and treatments naturopathic doctors provide:

Naturopathic doctors provide various types of treatments and therapies. They use natural remedies and alternative healing methods to heal their patients. Some of these include:

• Acupuncture: It is the practice of inserting thin needles into a person’s skin at specific points on their body to stimulate the body’s energy flow. Many patients have reported that acupuncture helped reduce pain and improve their quality of life.
• Homeopathy: It’s a system of alternative medicine that uses minute doses of well-defined substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing powers and treat various illnesses. The goal of homeopathy is to stimulate the body’s self-healing capacities while treating symptoms rather than the underlying condition.
• Herbalism: It is the use of medicinal plants for healing. It is a traditional form of alternative medicine that uses herbs or plant materials and other natural substances, such as minerals and fungi, to prevent or treat illness.
• Hydrotherapy: It is a form of relaxation that can be used to treat many ailments. It involves the use of water, either hot or cold, in the treatment of health conditions. The release of stress and tension can cause the body to return to homeostasis. In natural healing, there are no medicines or drugs involved, just a process that uses nature’s healing properties.
• Massage therapy: It has been used since ancient times to treat injuries, relieve stress, and increase relaxation. One particular type of massage is called naturopathic massage which utilizes natural oils, herbs, and plant extracts as well as therapeutic touch to heal the body.

Which Conditions Can be Treated with Naturopathic Medicine?

There is little scientific evidence to support the use of naturopathy in permanently treating diseases. Some studies only suggest that naturopathic therapies may help manage some symptoms and prevent illnesses. However, some of the most common conditions that naturopathic medicine can help with include:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic pain
• Digestive issues
• Infertility
• Heart disease
• Skin conditions
• Sleep issues
• Weight loss/gain

Naturopathic physicians believe that the body is self-regulating and that pathogenic (disease-causing) agents are the result of outside influences. They are therefore advocates of an approach to healthcare called “prevention through lifestyle modification”. They believe that disease results from a disturbance in the body’s natural equilibrium, which can be improved by preventing or lessening exposure to the factors believed to cause this disturbance.

What are the benefits of seeing a naturopath?

Naturopaths can provide holistic care that encompasses all aspects of a person’s health, including physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They use natural therapies such as diet, exercise, and supplements to help restore balance and support the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

There are many benefits to seeing a naturopathic doctor. Some of the most common benefits include relief from symptoms, improved energy levels, better sleep, improved digestion, and a stronger immune system.

Naturopathic physicians can also help to identify and treat underlying causes of illness, which can lead to long-term health improvements. They can also provide education about the connection between one’s lifestyle and overall health.

Are there any risks in choosing a naturopathic doctor over a conventional doctor?

There is no definitive answer to this question as there is a lack of evidence to support or deny this opinion. Some people feel that naturopathic doctors are not as well-trained as their traditional counterparts and thus there may be some risks in choosing one. Others believe in the power of inner healing and prefer the natural approach to medicine.

Though naturopathy seems to have many benefits, there are some risks involved with natural healing. While it can be seen as a more natural approach to healing, naturopathy still involves some treatments and therapies that can have side effects.

Some naturopathic treatments may not be effective and could even be harmful. For example, some people may believe that they can treat serious illnesses such as cancer with naturopathic medicine, when in fact this is not recommended. There is no risk in choosing a naturopathic doctor over a conventional doctor, but there is a risk in relying on alternative medicine as the only treatment for your health condition.

Additionally, some naturopathic treatments may interact with other medications a person is taking, which could lead to adverse effects. It is important to do your research before choosing a naturopathic doctor and to discuss any concerns you have with them.

Where to find a Naturopathic Doctor in Long Beach?

Naturopathic Medicine is available at TIER Wellness, 6695 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 250, Long Beach, CA 90803. Monday through Saturday.

To Learn More or to Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Today at our Long Beach office ( 562) – 430-8501.