Naturopathic Modalities

Naturopathy, at its simplest, embraces various natural healing modalities.

These natural healing modalities include nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, meditation, reiki, talking therapies and so on.

It is sometimes referred to as Complimentary Medicine or Alternative Medicine.

Complimentary or Alternative Medicine

The term “Complimentary Medicine” is, perhaps, the best other label, as it is better to think about these healing modalities as sitting alongside the orthodox medical model, complimenting, rather than providing an alternative. Although, for some, they genuinely are regarded as an alternative.

Most people try the orthodox route first, and when that ceases to work, they might turn to naturopathic healing modalities second. We live in a culture of instant gratification, which pills and surgery relate to very well.

That puts naturopathy as a last port of call, which naturally makes success more difficult to achieve.

Prevention is Better than Cure

If orthodox medicine has run out of answers, it is a lot then, to expect natural cures to turn things around. But often that is the expectation.

It is best to catch things early. Be mindful of your health, and do what is necessary to support it before problems get too deep-seated. That requires careful consideration and a commitment to follow through on what is required.

Better still, prevention is better than cure.

Naturopathic Philosophy

First and foremost, Naturopathy is a philosophy of medicine that adheres to certain principles.

These naturopathic principles are:

• First, do no harm
• Prevention is better than Cure
• Educate your clients to empower their own health (the aim of this blog)
• Use the healing power of nature
• Look to treat the root cause (not just patch over symptoms)
• Treat the whole person – Mind. Body and Spirit

Naturopath or Naturopathic Doctor

In countries like Australia, Naturopaths are more widely trained across a range of natural healing modalities and you might search for a Naturopathic Doctor (ND).

Here in the UK, we subscribe to the philosophy, whilst tending to be more specialised.

So here there are Naturopaths who work as Naturopathic Nutritional Therapists (but not all Nutritionists are Naturopaths!), Naturopaths who are Homeopaths, Naturopaths who are Herbalists and so on.

Naturopathy and Energy Medicine

Many naturopathic modalities fall into the category of energy medicine.

These include acupuncture, reflexology, homeopathy, craniosacral therapy and reiki, to name the more well known ones, and there are others.

Some psychotherapists now work with their clients energetically, helping to mobilise unprocessed emotions and free up the body’s energy system.

Energy medicine has been met with derision in the past, and is a reason why it is often given a bad rap. For some, working with the energy systems of the body is just too “woo woo”!

Why Woo-Woo Works

That said, energy medicine is becoming increasingly more understood and respected as science starts to prove it’s worth.

For example, acupuncture has made it into the mainstream, and is now offered in some quarters by the NHS.

David H. Hamilton Phd, the respected scientist and author, has written a book on the subject. For those who would like to understand more, you may like to take a look at:

Why Woo-Woo Works: The Surprising Science Behind Meditation, Reiki, Crystals and Other Alternative Practices

Naturopathy as Physical Medicine

Physical medicine is where most people feel most comfortable.

Scientifically proven methods are, rightly or wrongly, hailed as the gold standard.

Naturopathy has a few modalities here too. Nutritional Therapy and Herbal Medicine fall into this category.

Counselling and Human Potential Coaching as Naturopathy

My practice is focused on Counselling and Human Potential Coaching.

For me, the mind and spirit come first, but you can make interventions at whatever level you feel most drawn to.

For many it will be at a physical level, which includes orthodox medicine alongside nutrition and herbal medicine.

Others will be open to both the energetic and the physical.

Why Naturopathy gets a Bad Rap

Naturopathy is treated as the poor relation of the healing world  for a number of reasons:-

1. a lack of understanding
2. the NHS is free, whereas you have to pay to see naturopathic practitioners
3. preventative medicine requires thought and commitment in a way that popping “a pill for every ill” does not
4. Scepticism of anything perceived as woo-woo

But as science is now proving, woo-woo is not so woo-woo after all, and does have something valuable to offer.

Integrative Medicine and Naturopathy

Integrative Medical practitioners are medical doctors first, who have then gone on to embrace the naturopathic world.

Sadly they are few and far between in the UK, and therefore difficult, if not impossible to find. But the concept does exist!

Who knows, they may become more prevalent as medicine advances into the 21st century. So it is good to know about them.

Trauma and Naturopathy

Trauma can be treated from both a physical and energetic perspective.

Nutritional Therapy has protocols for reducing inflammation in the body and balancing hormones, which are a key part of the body’s stress response.

Herbal medicine works with a category of herbs called nervines, which nourish and support the central nervous system.

Many of the energy medicine modalities work to rebalance the energy systems of the body, its chakras and meridians, by clearing blockages that can impact our health.

Where To Start?

So where do you start? Much will depend on what you feel drawn to and, sadly, what you can afford. There are so many different angles that you can come at this from.

Over a couple of decades I have worked with psychotherapy, breathwork, nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, shamanism, family constellations, ki therapy, sound healing, meditation, yoga, Bach flower remedies, and ayahuasca for my own healing journey. You can’t do it all at once. To heal is to go on a journey of your own personal development.

College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM)

The CNM is a leader in naturopathic education across the UK.

Its students are trained in anatomy, physiology and naturopathic philosophy, alongside providing a broad overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutritional Therapy and Herbalism.

The individual then chooses what to specialise in.

This is a good place to look if you are thinking about training.

How to Find the Naturopath for You

For those of you looking for a Naturopathic practitioner, I recommend you take a look at the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) website, who have a register you can choose from.

There is also the ANP (Association of Naturopathic Practitioners), who have a register too.

A third UK organisation that you can explore is the GCRN – General Council and Register of Naturopaths.

I wish you well on your healing journey.