Item 2 of 5
Item 4 of 5
Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.
At AdventHealth our care philosophy is to treat the whole person in body, mind and spirit with a deep understanding that these three entities are not separate but work together as one seamless unit to inform a person’s overall health.
Our whole-person healing legacy began with our founders who noticed that nature is an effective healer. Rather than continuing to use the superstitious treatments during their time and place that made patients sicker, these pioneers of modern medicine exposed their patients to natural remedies found in combining nutritious plant-based foods, clean water, sunlight, fresh air and physical activity.
Building on our solid foundation informed by science and propelled by faith, we continue to extend the healing ministry of Christ by combining advances in science with the God-given abundance of healing properties found in nature. Read on to learn the basics of naturopathic medicine, how this ancient practice connects to whole-person health care in the present and conditions it can help treat.
Naturopathic medicine is a unique branch of primary care that focuses on prevention and empowering self-healing using natural therapies.
Naturopathic medicine has German roots that date back to the 1890s. It has experienced an increase in public interest in recent years because of the growing movement to maintain health through prevention, wellness and respect for nature's intrinsic healing ability.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians who blend ancient health knowledge and a philosophy that nature is the best healer. They use up-to-date research on health and human systems, attend a four-year naturopathic medical school, are clinically trained and work in all aspects of family health — from pediatric to senior care. Most NDs provide primary care through office-based private practice, but a growing number are in clinical settings.
Naturopathic diagnosis emphasizes identifying the root causes of disease, while naturopathic therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality.
It’s also important to note that some medical doctors, dentists, doctors of osteopathy, chiropractors, and nurses have training in naturopathic medicine that they incorporate into their practice. Many are either NDs or they studied naturopathy.
The primary difference between naturopathic and holistic philosophies is that naturopathic medicine is its own discipline of medicine with specific training rooted in natural remedies.
Holistic medicine, on the other hand, is practiced by physicians with traditional medical training who maintain a holistic philosophy that centers on a whole-person care approach to medicine.
Naturopathy uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself using herbs, massage, acupuncture and exercise to restore and sustain whole health.
Holistic medicine is a philosophy of medicine used by physicians who have completed conventional medical training but also believe in treating the whole person — body, mind and spirit — to restore and maintain health.
Simply put, think of naturopathic medicine as its own type of training and practice while holistic medicine is used as a complement to conventional medicine. Both are considered whole-person care philosophies.
Naturopathic medicine is used effectively for a wide range of health conditions. Some conditions that can benefit from including naturopathic care include:
You don’t have to be already ill to give naturopathic medicine a try. You might just want to enhance your overall health or help prevent getting sick.
Please don’t use naturopathic medicine as a substitute for an emergency or a health condition that requires a visit to the hospital, like major surgery. It should not be used in place of traditional medicine for serious or life-threatening conditions, like cancer or heart disease.
Naturopathic doctors may combine prescription medications with natural therapies, such as herbal and nutritional supplements, to enhance the overall effectiveness of your personalized treatment plan.
Here are some of the methods an ND might suggest:
Herbs are used in naturopathic medicine to address various conditions like digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety, depression, pain and immune support.
Some herbal remedies include peppermint for digestion, valerian root for sleep, ashwagandha for stress, turmeric for pain and inflammation, St. John’s wort for depression and echinacea for immune support. As always, talk to your doctor before trying any herbal combinations as medicine.
Your supplement regimen should be discussed and determined with the support from your naturopathic doctor or primary care physician. Some common vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements that may be recommended to support your whole health include:
At the Whole Health Institute, our approach to health care uses natural, non-toxic therapies to treat the whole person and encourage the self-healing process.
Our team works alongside your conventional medical team to help uncover underlying causes of your ailments. Therefore, our providers do not provide primary care but rather serve as one member of your multidisciplinary care team, exploring options that may complement or supplement other care you receive. Integrative medicine pulls from evidence-based medicine and healing from around the world to help you feel your best. It’s this flexible and holistic approach that supports you, nurtures you and empowers you to reach your health goals.
Take the first step towards wellness and uncover the root cause of your health concerns. Learn more about the Whole Health Institute and find a primary care physician to start forming your world-class medical team that specializes in you — body, mind and spirit.
Our website uses cookies. Please review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use. Browsing our website means you accept these terms.
