CHAPTER 10: Alternative Medical Systems: Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine

Question 1

Naturopathic Medicine

Answer 1

medicine is a holistic, whole body health care system based on the belief
that the body has the potential to heal itself and that the physician’s role is to support the body’s efforts

Question 2

historical development of naturopathy

Answer 2

hippocrates
- began as part of european nature care
- translates to “nature disease”

Question 3

major beliefs of naturopathy

Answer 3

1. disease is a natural part of nature (eg. sleeping poorly, irrational thinking, alcohol, unsafe sex)
2. promote health and prevent disease
3. the body will heal itself
4. germs are not the major cause of disease
5. first, do no harm (nontoxic and noninvasive as possible)

Question 4

Biotypes

Answer 4

naturopaths assess biotype or constitution
to aid in diagnosis because they believe that each type has certain characteristics that are related to the risk of acquiring particular diseases

• ectomorph
• mesomorph
• endomorph

Question 5

Iridology

Answer 5

is the examination of the iris or coloured portion of the eye for markings that supposedly reveal changing conditions of every part and organ of the body
- observes layers, colors, markings, ring spots to indicate certain body conditions

Question 6

Mineral Analysis

Answer 6

may analyze hair for trace mineral content. Testing is performed on hair
that is cut one and half inches from the scalp, and the hair sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis
- can reveal mineral status and toxic metal accumulation

Question 7

Bioresonance Diagnosis

Answer 7

Bioresonance is the practice of using an electronic device to measure the body’s
electromagnetic radiation and electric currents.

Question 8

Kirlian photography

Answer 8

colourful photographs of images surrounding the body and within the body are made after applying high-frequency electrical currents to a patient’s body

Question 9

what are the naturopathic treatments

Answer 9

• balancing 4 major body systems
• education and counseling
• nutrition
• botanicals and traditional medicines
• energy work, massage, TCM
• hydrotherapy

Question 10

what are the 4 major body systems

Answer 10

1. the immune system
2. the elimination (or detoxification) system
3. the nervous system,
4. the hormonal system.

Question 11

phytotherapy

Answer 11

Naturopaths
use botanical medicine (phytotherapy) for treating disease conditions
- vitamins and homepathic substances

Question 12

hydrotherapy

Answer 12

is the treatment of physical disability, injury, or illness by
immersion of all or part of the body in water to facilitate movement, promote wound healing, and relieve pain

Question 13

Traditional Naturopath

Answer 13

• no uni degree
• distance learning
• cant prescribe, take tests

Question 14

Naturopathic Physician

Answer 14

• similar to training of a MD
• basic sciences and naturopathic courses
• clinical experiences
• pass the NPLEX

Question 15

Prevalence of Naturopathy Use

Answer 15

an estimated 729,000 adults and 237,000 children in the United States had used a naturopathic
treatment in the previous year
- many visit for primary care or to use as alternative/ complementary medicine

Question 16

Future of Naturopathy

Answer 16

Naturopaths have lower overhead costs and charge patients less than do medical doctors or osteopaths
- in many states covered in insurance