NATUROPATHY
Introduction
The basis of Naturopathy can be easily traced back to the beginning of the19th century and to people who are called as Preissnitz, therapists in Germany, who used the beneficial effects of mainly water as a therapy (Hydrotherapy) which is an important aspect of Naturopathy. Towards the end of the 19th century in Bavaria, Father Kneipp, a monk, who was obviously a Naturopath treated an American Benedictine by the name of Lust. As a result of his recovery, Lust stayed with the Kneipp to study his particular methods of healing and upon returning to the United States he established his own form of natural medicine which he called Naturopathy.
Thus at the beginning of the 19th century in the world, Naturopathy began to be formally recognised. The blend of therapies employed by Lust included nutrition and natural diet, Homeopathy, herbal medicine, Hydrotherapy, Chiropractic and the management of stress. Even though, it is the oldest form of medicine which existed long before todays technological and pharmaceutical advances, it mainly began to decline with the growth of allopathic medicine. Recently people's interest is in holistic health, and dissatisfaction with conventional medicine due to its side affects and cost, has staged a rebirth for naturopathy. The main principle behind such a naturopathic medicine is that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, (though the concept of self-healing does have usually limitations).
There are no panaceas, magic bullets, potions or remedies. Each individual has his/her own unique set of symptoms and reactions, which would in turn dictate the approach the Naturopathic doctor takes to treat the patient. This is the reason that each person seeks the help from a Naturopathic doctor will receive a relatively individualized treatment protocol. Naturopathic medicine is not a solitary system of care. Naturopaths work with other practitioners offering a wide range of treatments. Naturopathic medicine or Naturopathy is a distinct system of health care that mainly uses a variety of natural approaches for health and healing. Naturopathy is the science which aims at curing a person naturally using nature cure.
It is a scientific system which involves healing and stimulating the body's inherent power to regain health with the help of the five elements of nature - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Ether. In other words, Naturopathy has been one of the major forms of alternative medicine that focuses on an individual's natural healing capacities. Unlike modern medications naturopathy is commonly used as a corresponding treatment in combination with traditional medicine. It combines traditional and holistic methods which are useful in achieving optimal health and wellness. Naturopathic medicine is based on the fact that the human body in the world has an innate power to heal itself and naturopathic physicians use treatments to support the body's inherent self healing abilities. Naturopathy is mainly built upon the dictum of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who declared "Nature cures, not the physicians". This particular system is known by different names - Nature Cure, the natural methods, the new science of healing and Healing from within. Naturopathy is not only a system of healing, but also a way of life in tune with the internal vital forces or natural elements comprising the human body.
Career Prospects
A career in naturopathy in today’s competitive world offers ample opportunities to mainly the practitioner for earning money as well as reputation. In India there are very few colleges on naturopathy offering courses at various levels – diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate. Licensed Naturopathic Physicians, however, have to complete a four-year program at the graduate level. Areas of study may include nutrition therapy, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, natural childbirth, and herbal/botanical medicine, etc.
In India naturopaths are appointed in government as well as private hospitals and health centers. They also have the opportunity to start their own venture where there is a high density of population. Naturopathy is getting increasingly popular these days in all countries across the globe including India, among people who wish to escape the various side effects and symptoms, which are caused by allopathic system of medicine. Hence the scope of employment in this sphere is broadening.Naturopathy is often practiced with combination of other forms of alternative medicines such as Reiki, homoeopathy acupuncture, etc. Much of the advice of naturopaths is very much sound, e.g., exercise, quit smoking, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, practice good nutrition, etc.
Naturopathy Courses and Eligibility Criteria
Naturopathic Physician must be very much well versed with the knowledge of general medicine, human anatomy and physiology and functions of various bodily parts. Must be aware about the general dietary and lifestyle modifications required to manage a disease condition, the physician also needs to have the knowledge of psychology and its implications on the health of his patient. Yoga lessons form the integral part of Naturopathy, which has gained worldwide recognition as the most effective way for preventing diseases.
Personal Skills:
Naturopathy |
Remuneration
In addition one should have an understanding of the subject matter,he must have communication and listening skills, patience, critical thinking ability, problem solving skills, intuition, self confidence, and understanding of patients' needs, motivational skills, pleasing and empathetic attitude and be able to inspire trust and confidence in patients. Though the eligibility for entry into Naturopathy courses may vary from one institute to another, There are 10 degree colleges in India offering BNYS program which is of four and half years duration with one year internship. The National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune offers a one year program known as Treatment attendant Training Course for which the eligibility requirement is Std. X passed.