What is Naturopathy?
Many people have never heard of Naturopathy or even a Naturopath doctor. Therefore, this article will address the questions that everyone has about Naturopathy.
The practice of naturopathy is as old as man himself. The commonality across world cultures is that we all used food, water and whole herbs for healing before the invention of modern medicine and the practice of intricate surgeries. In 1895, Dr. John Schell first utilized the term naturopathy to describe his holistic, natural approach to health and wellness, bucking the trends of the time of using “modern medicines” to “heal” patients.
Many different healing modalities fall under the broader realm of the title of naturopathy: nutritional counseling, homeopathy, iridology, aromatherapy, herbal therapy, hypnosis, massage and acupressure/acupuncture, magnet therapy, etc.
The mid-20th century saw a movement bringing alternative medicines and naturopathy to the forefront once again. This movement started along the East coast and has slowly made its way to encompass the country in its entirety. At this time, the practice of naturopathy is enjoying a period of growth and development among practitioners as more people seek out healthier alternatives to modern medicines and surgeries which often later prove harmful (and in some cases even deadly).
Practitioners of naturopathy abide by the Hippocratic Oath which insists upon the practice of ethical medicinal treatment–“Do no harm.” However, naturopaths are NOT medical doctors (although they are required to obtain degrees–and even licensure in some states). The naturopathic ideology only allows for the employment of modalities and techniques which are NATURAL in origin (i.e. the use of herbal remedies, changes in nutrition, sleep, meditation, exercise, etc.).
Like all naturopaths we, at Wholistic Wellness Associates, believe fervently in the body’s ability to heal and know that natural methods which include herbs, proper nutrition and exercise will promote healing within the body under even the most illness ravaged conditions. All naturopaths ultimately encourage these natural remedies in order to help clients maintain a state of homeostasis—or balance—within their bodies and their lives. Above all, we remind others that the body is a remarkable self-healing engine. Incredible as it sounds, your body WANTS to heal and by engaging in a lifestyle which restores balance your body will begin to return to its natural state of health! It is for this reason that we, as naturopaths, do not fall into the traditional trap of calling what we do “curing”. We help to encourage your body to do what it is naturally inclined to do…heal.
Naturopaths go straight to the cause of an illness. Instead of masking symptoms, as many medications are intended to do, naturopathic methods address the root of the problem. Naturopaths see clients as a “whole” and facilitate healing in the body by eliminating toxins and working with modalities that encourage your body’s natural latent healing to occur, whether that be through the use of herbs, acupressure, hypnosis, etc.
Because we, as naturopaths, see clients for the individuals they are, we realize that not every modality or herbal remedy will work for every person regardless of whether or not they are experiencing the same issues. Every “body” is different and requires a unique approach that is tailor made to complement that body’s natural healing abilities/tendencies.
We, at Wholistic Wellness Associates, believe that we are able toassist people in their healing by giving them the tools they need to make good health choices.
Patricia Pedersen is a Natural Healer, Certified Clinical Hypnotist, Certified Acupressurist, Master Herbalist ,Nutrition Counselor and a Doctor of Naturopathy. Patricia is a teacher, counselor, coach and a partner with you in your quest for health and wellness.
Robert Brienza is a Master Hypnotist, Mental Trainer, Certified Master NLP Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher and Certified Sports Enhancement Specialist. He has continued his course of study in Healing and Pain Management and is a Therapeutic Massage Therapist. Robert helps people to overcome fears, stop smoking, meet weight reduction goals, improve golf games and overcome addictions.
Patricia & Robert have been interviewed many times on NY Talk Radio, are presenters at Essex County College and travel extensively giving workshops on such subjects as Complementary Health, Stress Reduction, Pain Relief, Weight Reduction, Nutrition & Herbs, Past Life Regression, Sports Enhancement and Mental Training for Sales & Marketing.
