health information
What is the difference between holistic healing and naturopathy?
After I receive my bachelor’s degree at my university, I would like to go into alternative medicine. I am interested in looking at the whole person which includes mind, spirit, and the body. I also would like to help build people’s health to prevent diseases, learn about herbs, and teach others about mediation and exercise.
The holistic approach to medicine, simply put, is a way of treating the patient as a whole. In other words, when a patient presents with symptoms of an underlying disease, all aspects of the person’s health are considered in the diagnosis and treatment. This means the various physical, psychological, and spiritual processes are considered in the treatment.
Naturopathic medicine is a science based medicine which incorporates the following principles into its philosophy (including a holistic approach).
The Healing Power of Nature
Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.
Identify and Treat the Causes
Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.
First Do No Harm
Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.
Doctor as Teacher
Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.
Treat the Whole Person
View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.
Prevention
Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.
In the United States, there are currently 4 accredited colleges of Naturopathic medicine which offer a 4 year course of study ultimately leading to a professional degree of Doctor of Naturopathic medicine.