How to Decide If You Can Benefit From Naturopathy
Naturopathy, a medical science that treats everyday health problems as well as chronic disease, is the choice of many who seek more holistic care than traditional medicine can provide. Naturopathy attends to patients' entire well-being and to specific conditions, emphasizing prevention and natural remedies over surgery and drugs. Allergies, headaches and digestive problems are some of the ailments that respond well to naturopathy.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
Learn How Naturopathy Can Benefit You
1
Learn how naturopathy differs from traditional medicine in treating a wide range of conditions and in maintaining lifelong health. Andrew Weil's popular book "Natural Health, Natural Medicine: The Complete Guide to Wellness and Self-Care for Optimum Health" is a good place to start (see Resources below).
2
Consider how active you want to be in decisions regarding your health. Naturopathic physicians can be more involved with their patients in searching for the causes of health problems. They will expect you to take responsibility for monitoring, maintaining and improving your physical condition, rather than simply relying on prescribed medications. Learn more about the doctor-patient relationship from The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (see Resources below).
Assess Your Health Needs and Decide
1
Prioritize your health concerns--from respiratory conditions to weight loss/gain to chronic pain. Decide whether your current medical practitioner has been able to address those issues effectively.
2
Confirm your personal diagnosis by consulting a naturopathic practitioner. Find a doctor through a local alternative medicine center or use the locator at American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. A first visit will be moderate to slightly expensive in cost, about the same as with a medical doctor.
3
Consider what you learned about the state of your health and ask yourself if you think naturopathy will provide benefit to you if you add it to your current health care regime.
Tips & Warnings
You won't be alone if you embrace naturopathy. A 2006 survey by Thomson Medstat indicates that over 37 percent of Americans use some form of alternative medicine.
Some herbal or homeopathic remedies can interact with prescriptions drugs that you may be taking. Always consult a naturopathic physician before choosing remedies or supplements.
Considering naturopathy is a long-term solution. If you have pressing physical symptoms, such as chest pains or shortness of breath, get emergency help.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2031464_decide-naturopathy-benefit.html
Naturopathy, a medical science that treats everyday health problems as well as chronic disease, is the choice of many who seek more holistic care than traditional medicine can provide. Naturopathy attends to patients' entire well-being and to specific conditions, emphasizing prevention and natural remedies over surgery and drugs. Allergies, headaches and digestive problems are some of the ailments that respond well to naturopathy.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
Learn How Naturopathy Can Benefit You
1
Learn how naturopathy differs from traditional medicine in treating a wide range of conditions and in maintaining lifelong health. Andrew Weil's popular book "Natural Health, Natural Medicine: The Complete Guide to Wellness and Self-Care for Optimum Health" is a good place to start (see Resources below).
2
Consider how active you want to be in decisions regarding your health. Naturopathic physicians can be more involved with their patients in searching for the causes of health problems. They will expect you to take responsibility for monitoring, maintaining and improving your physical condition, rather than simply relying on prescribed medications. Learn more about the doctor-patient relationship from The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (see Resources below).
Assess Your Health Needs and Decide
1
Prioritize your health concerns--from respiratory conditions to weight loss/gain to chronic pain. Decide whether your current medical practitioner has been able to address those issues effectively.
2
Confirm your personal diagnosis by consulting a naturopathic practitioner. Find a doctor through a local alternative medicine center or use the locator at American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. A first visit will be moderate to slightly expensive in cost, about the same as with a medical doctor.
3
Consider what you learned about the state of your health and ask yourself if you think naturopathy will provide benefit to you if you add it to your current health care regime.
Tips & Warnings
You won't be alone if you embrace naturopathy. A 2006 survey by Thomson Medstat indicates that over 37 percent of Americans use some form of alternative medicine.
Some herbal or homeopathic remedies can interact with prescriptions drugs that you may be taking. Always consult a naturopathic physician before choosing remedies or supplements.
Considering naturopathy is a long-term solution. If you have pressing physical symptoms, such as chest pains or shortness of breath, get emergency help.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2031464_decide-naturopathy-benefit.html
