Difference Between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine
If you research alternative medicine, you will find that there are many different treatment options available. It’s not always clear how various approaches differ from one another, and which practice would be best for the patient’s needs. Many people use the terms holistic and naturopathic medicine interchangeably, but there are key differences that set them apart. To understand the main focuses of these practices, let’s go over the definitions of each:
What is naturopathic medicine?
When a patient is treated using naturopathic techniques, the goal is to bring out the body’s innate healing properties using natural medicines. Naturopathic therapies are designed to heal the body with the help of nature; some of these approaches are considered non-conventional. The guiding principle of this practice is that the body has intrinsic healing properties, and natural products are used to promote health and well-being. The use of naturopathic medicine in North America dates back to the 1800s.
Self-healing is the focus of naturopathy; it uses exclusively natural solutions. The remedies are designed to be non-invasive, unlike surgery or chemotherapy, and it can be used in conjunction with traditional treatments. Examples of naturopathic medicine include acupuncture, detoxification, and massages. The relationship between the physician and the patient involves many consultations. The doctor asks questions about their exercise routine, lifestyle, and eating habits. Counseling is a key part of naturopathy to promote better mental health. This practice blends scientific research with natural medications. It sees disease as a process, not an end-point, and its focus is on curing ailments. Doctors who specialize in naturopathy undergo similar training to those in medical school.
What kinds of patients can benefit from naturopathic medicine? It’s a good fit for those looking for alternatives to conventional medicine, especially if they’re experiencing unpleasant side effects from treatments. A patient who is dealing with complications after surgery may seek naturopathic medicine to treat their ailments. A focus of naturopathy is on not harming patients, which is why the emphasis is placed on natural treatments.
What is holistic medicine?
In traditional medicine, diseases and conditions of the body are seen as discrete pieces—with holistic medicine, the entire body is seen as interconnected. They look at the entire picture rather than focusing solely on the individual parts of the problem. Holistic medicine aims to heal all parts of the body—it’s even a solution for healthy gums. To protect the body against illness, holistic treatments are designed to support emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. Rather than treating symptoms, it searches for the cause behind the adverse effects experienced by the patient; this is one way that holistic medicine differs from conventional medicine.
The principles that guide this treatment are support and unconditional love. People who practice this approach treat people as people, they don’t just look at their disease. When a patient visits a holistic doctor to discuss their ailments, the doctor reviews all treatment options available. They look beyond treating the disease and try to find what the cause is. To improve the patient’s quality of life, they seek to counsel them about their sleep routine, lifestyle, and spiritual well-being. By considering all these factors, they can provide a more holistic healing treatment.
There is a wide range of providers who offer holistic treatments. They include chiropractors, homeopathic doctors, osteopathy doctors, and the medical doctors that most of us are familiar with. Holistic medicine tends to be outside the scope of surgeries and pharmaceutical solutions. Some examples are herbal medicines, aromatherapy, and healing touch.
When holistic medicine is used, it takes several different forms. One is that the healthcare provider will discuss the lifestyle of the patient. They will ask questions about their exercise routines, diet, relationships, and mental health to see if any areas need more attention.
What are the differences between the two?
Holistic medicine is like an umbrella term for a style of healthcare treatment, whereas naturopathic medicine is a specific methodology that focuses on natural healing remedies. There’s a lot of overlap between these two practices, but one difference sets them apart. Holistic treatment is not exclusive—a naturopathic doctor can treat a patient using a holistic approach. Naturopathy can be understood as one branch of holistic medicine.
Naturopathic doctors focus on natural remedies to heal the body and cure illness. Holistic medicine can use these strategies, but their practice can also take the form of conventional medicine. These approaches to healthcare can be integrated to provide an even better quality of care.
Choosing the best healthcare practice for yourself is a personal decision. It depends on the symptoms you are dealing with, the type of illness you have, and your preferences. It is generally not recommended that you completely abandon conventional medicines for alternatives, especially when you are dealing with serious ailments like cancer. Instead, alternative medicine can be used in addition to traditional practices for safe and effective results. For more information, you can consult either a naturopathic or holistic medical professional and discuss your options.
