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What’s this
Naturopathy is one complementary medicine which includes a variety of practices belonging to alternative medicines to maintain or restore a state of psychophysical well-being of the individual. The term naturopathy literally means “nature trail”And was coined in the 19th century by an American doctor, John Scheel. In fact, naturopathy seems to have developed during the 1800s between Germany and England and then spread rapidly in Europe and the rest of the world. Naturopathy has one holistic view of individuals: the human being is considered as a whole, therefore a complex system that works thanks to biologically and emotionally regulated mechanisms.
To experience a state of health and well-being, individuals must take care of yourself and, according to naturopathy, a pathology or a disorder should not be cured only by treating the affected organ or the symptom. The disease is seen as a sign of a profound physical or emotional imbalance that needs to be treated drawing on the life force of the person. Instead of using drugs to prevent or treat a disease, naturopathy therefore aims at maintain or restore health through good nutrition and a correct lifestyle and making use of natural remedies and non-invasive body techniques capable of increase the immune defenses, thus stimulating self healing. Naturopathy uses, for example, practices such as hydrotherapy, kinesiology, foot and craniosacral reflexology and uses herbal and phytotherapeutic remedies, aromatherapy, Bach flowers, Californian flowers and other natural products.
What the naturopath does
The naturopath is a wellness practitioner, a professional who works to help people a maintain or regain well-being physical and mental. It is important to point out that the naturopath is not a doctor, therefore, he can neither diagnose nor cure a disease by prescribing drugs. Through the naturopathic counseling, the naturopath can however help the person to understand where the imbalance that generates an already diagnosed disorder comes from, stimulating the client’s awareness. To identify the source of the problem, the naturopath can resort to a simple one interview thanks to which to analyze the physical and emotional aspects of the person. The naturopath can also exploit alternative or traditional medicine practices and techniques such as iridology and physiognomy, to evaluate any energy imbalances and predisposing factors, given for example by the person’s nature and habits. Once the “ground” on which to work has been discovered, that is the starting condition, the naturopath elaborates a custom route which aims to promote healing or prevent disease. For this purpose, the naturopath makes use of purifying techniques and remedies, draining and detox massages, foot reflexology, treatments that restore energy such as Qi Gong and numerous other techniques.
Although the naturopath is not a dietician, nutritionist or dietician, during the consultation he can provide general guidance on ahealthy eating, as well as offering your advice on herbal or floral remedies useful for raising the body’s natural defenses or for restoring harmony between body and spirit. The naturopath can then teach the client the techniques of meditation, breathing and relaxation, useful for reducing stress, fatigue, anxiety and agitation that can be the basis of a malaise or consequence of a disorder. Through one or more interviews and sessions, the naturopath helps the person to understand the origin of the problem and to tap into his physical and emotional strengths, promoting a lasting state of well-being. In case of pathologies, the naturopath can collaborate with the doctor, combining naturopathy with conventional therapies for promote healing of the patient.
How to become a naturopath
In Italy to become a naturopath it is necessary to attend one naturopathy school. These are private but regionally recognized institutes that offer courses in the duration of three or four years. Classes are generally concentrated on weekends and enrollments are open to all adults and graduates. The programs may vary slightly between the various naturopathic schools, but in general, students take classes during the course biology, anatomy, chemistry, physiology and phytotherapy and deepen natural nutrition, oligotherapy, iridology, ancient traditional medicines such as Chinese medicine, body manipulation techniques including foot reflexology and massage. The naturopath also studies the use of Bach flowers, Australian flowers and essential oils, used in flower therapy and aromatherapy. At the end of the course, the naturopath can operate as a freelancer in private practices or work in wellness, beauty and spa centers and other structures specialized in personal care.
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