Copyright 1999 Dave W. (Click for Legal Info)
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Naturopathy

Naturopathy is, in short, the practice of 'medicine' through procedures, supplements, herbs, and some other truly bizarre therapies in order to allow the body to heal itself. The idea is quite appealing, but as practiced it seems to be a license to 'prescribe' absurd amounts of vitamins, minerals, homeopathic concoctions, diets, and just about any other alternative-type treatment a naturopath can think of (the "Ask Tom" link, below, offers a good example - his advice includes diets, 'liver cleanses', herbs, juice-fasts, and adjustments to blood pH levels in what appears to be a rather haphazard manner).

"Bringing the body into balance" and "detoxifying" are two things often heard from naturopaths, along with a handful of other buzzwords and catch-phrases. These ideas are typically definable only by using other, equally vague, terminology, leading to pleasant-sounding, though completely meaningless disease theories.

Having an N.D. after your name (Doctor of Naturopathy) is no guarantee of quality health care. Some schools offering N.D. programs are not accredited, and even those that are are not accredited based on the validity of their theories, or of the information taught. N.D.s are indeed licensed to practice "drugless medicine" in some U.S. States, but from what I've read, I wouldn't trust them to diagnose a head cold. Even Tom, of "Ask Tom", seems to agree that "There are no 'experts' in Natural Healing."

For a more detailed look into naturopathy, see Quackwatch.

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Unreviewed Treatments and Information:
Created Prior to August 10, 1999.
Last Updated on July 11, 2003.

The information provided here is not medical advice. This is not a self-help web site. Seek professional advice before beginning, ending, or changing treatments for any disease or condition. See the Legal Info page for more information.
Copyright © 1999 by Dave W.