Naturopathic Practices Versus Conventional (Allopathic) Practices

"Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine that focuses on prevention and the use of nontoxic, natural therapies." (Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 1998) In contrast, conventional or Allopathic practice and medicines view health as a physical state and treats accordingly. The two practices differ in the way they approach illness. Although the two practices could be combined, they are often not.

A naturopathic philosophy is one in which believes that true health is a state of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, all in sync within the individual. Treatment used in naturopathic practice enhances the immune system, strengthening it so it can fight of infection. When an infection occurs, combining a natural medication to the conventional one will serve a greater purpose. While the conventional medication will kill the infection, the naturopathic one will build up the body preventing further infection or repeated infection. In some cases, a natural remedy will prevent side effects of the conventional medicine from having permanent effects. The most effective use for naturopathic medicine is prevention. Physicians in naturopathy are trained to spend time and effort teaching patients the importance of a healthy lifestyle; including diet and attitude. By assessing a patient's risk for disease and then making a course of action in order to reduce the risks, a naturopathic physician can improve the patient's health. Naturopathic medications have no serious side effects; it is the physician's goal to treat the person as a whole and not just the infected area. They look for the underlying cause of the problem rather than trying to suppress the symptoms with conventional medications. It is believed that symptoms are an expression of the body trying to heal, causes of these symptoms could be physical or they may be mental or spiritual. These points can be explained by the seven philosophies of Naturopathic Medicine:
• Do no harm
• Nature has healing powers
• Identify and treat the cause
• Treat the whole person
• The physician is a teacher
• Prevention is the best cure
• Establish health and wellness

Conventional medicine concentrates on treating the disease instead of promoting health. Whereas naturopathic physicians view good health as the combination of mind, body and soul, conventional doctors believe that good health is a physical state where there's no obvious disease present. The treatments used are designed solely to kill the infecting organism. Antibiotics are able to save lives when used appropriately however over the passed ten years they have become grossly overused. In fighting chronic illness such as chronic sinusitis or chronic bronchitis, antibiotics are rarely beneficial; a contradiction with naturopathic medicines. According to World Health Organization, America is dangerously close to a "post-antibiotic era", this will make treating infectious diseases with antibiotics nearly impossible. Between this and the fast growing rise of "super bugs" (illnesses immune to antibiotics) it is believed that more doctors will be inclined to pursue naturopathic methods. Many doctors are already supporting clinical nutrition, promoting whole foods and nutritional supplements; two factors leading to the maintenance of health and disease treatment.

Modern medicine tends to forget the importance of a healthy immune system. With many naturopathic therapies available such as Botanical medicines, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, hydrotherapy and physical medicine; it is no wonder many patients are opting for naturopathic methods. To make an example of one common ailment, osteoarthritis, doctors using conventional medicine are eager to prescribe NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Common drugs used are: aspirin, Aleve, and Voltaren. These drugs have been known to work on a short-term basis for pain however they actually accelerate the progression of joint destruction and cause future problems. They also have many severe side effects. NSAID's slows the growth of Glycosaminoglycons (GAG's) which are needed to maintain the proper water content in the cartilage, giving it shock absorbing qualities. These medications are designed to fight osteoarthritis, but they don't promote health. So while it's fighting it's causing more problems and letting much needed health maintenance go untouched. The naturopathic approach to Osteoarthritis treatment would be to use Glucosamine Sulfate, a natural medication that facilitates the body's natural healing process. Glucosamine Sulfate is clinically proven to be more beneficial than drugs like ibuprofen and feldene. There are no side effects and it helps the body repair joint damage. When dealing with bone damage and loss, one should consider the risks of taking conventional medicine which could be more damaging to the joints in the long run.

Overall, naturopathic methods and medications are becoming more popular. They work well alone and in combination with conventional medicines. Naturopathic therapies have proven results and benefits such as, patients spending less time in the hospital or missing work, they're saving money and more. As prices for prescription coverage go up; naturopathic medicines will prove worthy of replacing conventional ones. The idea of overall body wellness having more factors than just physical is becoming a common belief amongst many types of physicians. It is in the patient's best interest to always consider their options and concentrate on preventing disease rather than just treating it.