What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy often sparks curiosity, especially in today’s social media age. Here’s a quick overview of what it’s all about and my personal journey in this field.

Naturopathy is both a philosophy and a science, rooted in the principles of holism and vitalism. It draws from ancient wisdom and emphasises the body’s ability to heal itself when given the right conditions. This approach considers the whole person—body, mind, and environment.

A cornerstone of naturopathy is Hippocrates’ famous quote, “Let Food be Thy Medicine and Medicine be Thy Food.” Nutrition plays a huge role in naturopathy, which contrasts sharply with conventional medical training, where nutrition often receives minimal attention. Recent studies, such as one from The Lancet, highlight the critical role of diet in preventing chronic diseases. Another review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found naturopathic approaches effective for various conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Modern medicine has advanced dramatically in areas like surgery and diagnostics. However, progress in managing chronic diseases and mental health has been slower. After six years of studying at a top naturopathic college and upgrading my qualifications to a BHSc (Complementary Medicine) at Charles Sturt University, I hoped to give naturopathy more credibility. Unfortunately, challenges remain.

A major issue arose in Australia with the recall of a travel sickness drug, Travacalm, which was linked to adverse effects. The media’s focus on the fact that the manufacturer also made complementary medicines led to widespread negative perceptions. This incident, coupled with regulatory and media missteps, harmed the reputation of reputable naturopathy practices.

In 2012, a push to remove alternative medicine courses from universities and cut funding for these practices gained traction. Despite strong opposition from some respected doctors, the campaign has influenced current policy.

The controversy has led to a decline in regulation and an increase in low-quality health coaching courses. Some products, like a misleading ‘health bar’ from a questionable source, exemplify this issue.

Critics argue that naturopathy lacks evidence, but the evidence-based approach often doesn’t account for how multiple treatments work together. Naturopathy’s focus on the individual, including diet and lifestyle, makes research complex but relevant. As our understanding of epigenetics grows, concepts once deemed fringe, like the importance of gut health, are becoming mainstream.

While challenges persist, I remain optimistic that respectful dialogue and collaboration can advance our understanding of health and improve access for everyone.