Guest guest Posted March 10, 2004 Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 Naturopathy Defined What it is & How it Works Naturopathy in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (eighth edition) is defined as: n. A system of therapy that relies exclusively on natural remedies, such as sunlight supplemented with diet and massage, to treat the sick. Funk & Wagnalls New International Dictionary of the English Language (Comprehensive 1971 Edition) defines it as: n. A system of therapy which avoids drugs in favor of such physical agencies as air, sunshine, water, exercise, etc. That "etc." covers a very large territory, and the fact that "Nutrition" and "Bio-Chemistry" were left out of every dictionary definition researched (over ½ a dozen), shows that a better general understanding of the subject is in order. According to Webster’s, the word Naturopathy comes from the three root words, "NATURE", "O" and "PATHY". The etymology of "NATURE" traces back to the Latin word “natus” "birth, to be born, Caused", "o" as an Old English preposition is an abbreviated form of the words "of or on", while "pathy" is derived from the Greek word pathos, "suffering, disease". This is absolutely wonderful, for now a "working" definition can be postulated as follows: Naturopathy n. a practice that addresses the CAUSE of disease. In no way does this definition give a complete description of what Naturopathy is, but it thoroughly describes what Naturopathy does, and from this starting point, a comprehensive definition can be extrapolated. A debate might rage for eons as to whether or not Naturopathy is a science or an art, and while there are those practitioners who approach their work with the precision of a chemical scientist or a nuclear physicist, there are therapists who have taken their particular specialty far beyond the physical, and have literally created a spiritual art form out of their practices. The Masseuse who with uncanny precision can pinpoint with a finger that exact spot which blows an illness; the Herbalist with his one dropperful of a special potent herbal preparation that eradicates in a few days a long time chronic condition; the experienced Nutritionist who by careful questioning isolates that one missing nutrient that when added back into the diet brings about a state of health, are all artists in their respective fields. For the sake of harmony, both words will be used in the definition. In using the word "Nature" and its derivative "Natural", it can be seen axiomatically that invasive and synthetic drug therapies as used by the Medical Doctor and Psychiatry have no place in Naturopathy or in its definition. In refining the meaning, only those things having to do with Nature or the natural order of things (Spiritual, Mental, and Physical), and which are not intrusive will be used. This must include, but is not limited to: Nutrition, Bio-Chemistry (Herbs, Homeopathic, Vitamins, Enzymes, Amino Acids etc.), Exercise, Sunlight, Clean Air, Pure Water, Massage, Hydrotherapy (Hot & Cold), Prayer, Meditation, Mental Attitude and Lifestyle, and the study of the imbalances occasioned by a deficiency or over abundance found in any one of the above. Therefore a comprehensive definition could be stated as follows: “Naturopathy n. the science or art of treating disease by addressing the CAUSE, using Nutrition, Bio-Chemistry, Exercise, Sunlight, Clean Air, Pure Water, Massage, Hydrotherapy (Hot & Cold), Prayer, Meditation, Lifestyle, and correcting any and all imbalances found”. Certain other subjects such as Chiropractic, Massage, Dianetics, and Homeopathy are Naturopathic in principle, and could also be used by the “Natural” practitioner. It has been observed by teachers and healers beyond count that the correction of physical imbalances brings about a state whereby the body will then correct itself automatically. One thing is for certain. By addressing the "Cause of disease", Naturopathy as a subject is senior to, and more important than Allopathy (Conventional Medicine) which handles only symptoms. The time is ripe for the evil, Allopathic, Pharmaceutical empire to come tumbling down. This is the age when Naturopathy must come into its own, not by some bloody revolution, but by the natural evolution of the way things should be. Yours in health and love, Doc Shillington 2001 by Ian “Doc” Shillington ND. All rights reserved. Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.727-738-0554Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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