What is it?

Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to healing. This means the focus isn't just on specific physical ailments, but your emotional and mental wellbeing. Nor is the goal simply to cure illnesses. Naturopathists also aim to maintain and promote good health. Rather than offering treatments that work against the body's healing powers, for example by producing unpleasant side-effects, they use natural remedies to strengthen and encourage the body's in-built healing system.

Naturopathy treatments and remedies are available for all sorts of illnesses, conditions and diseases. Many products are available from health food shops, while a consultation with a naturopathist may lead to a more detailed treatment plan and lifestyle program.

How does it work?

A naturopathic course of treatment can take the form of food supplements, dietary and nutritional advice as well as detoxification programs. Other complementary therapies may also be incorporated into the treatment, such as hydrotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture and medical herbalism.

A good naturopathist will take full details of your medical history, often by asking you to complete a questionnaire followed by a consultation, before recommending any course of treatment.

What are the benefits?

Naturopathy is intended to restore good health and keep it that way. It can demand big lifestyle changes, which means if you smoke and enjoy guzzling crisps, for example, it may not be for you. Even so, many people claim that naturopathy has helped them to recover from ailments such as asthma, high blood pressure, depression and pre-menstrual syndrome.

Where's the proof?

Many people claim that naturotherapy has a beneficial effect in the treatment of numerous conditions and illnessess, from headaches and stress to muscular and digestive problems. Research is ongoing, but to date there is no scientific evidence to fully support such claims. 

Getting treatment

Naturopathy is not yet available on the NHS, but many naturopathic remedies are available from health food shops and centres. You can also talk to your doctor (GP) about private treatment, or check out The British Naturopathic Association for a nationwide directory of practitioners. 

If you're considering a complementary treatment or therapy for any medical condition, always consult your doctor (GP) first. This is to make sure it doesn't conflict with any existing course of treatment you may be taking, and also to check it won't have a negative impact on your health. 

Updated: 10/09/2009