L02_Naturopathy 2 Flashcards
Philosophy and Hydrotherapy
What are the four core naturopathic philosophies?
- Unity of disease
- Vitalism
- Bio-individuality
- Autotoxaemia
Define ‘Unity of Disease’.
There is always ONE underlying common denominator to states of ill health
What factors may indicate a disturbance in the acid/alkaline balance?
- Acidic pH
- Cellular environment or terrain
- Vital energy (Vital Force)
What is the consequence of an acidic pH in the body?
Low pH = low oxygen levels
What dietary components can lead to a low (acidic) pH?
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Processed foods
- Alcohol
- Meat
What is the ideal salivary pH level?
7.0 or above
What does Vitalism recognize?
The innate intelligence that animates the body, orchestrates self-healing, self-organizing, and regeneration mechanisms
What natural therapies work with the Vital Force?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Homeopathy
- Bach flower therapy
What is meant by Bio-individuality?
Each person is unique and treatment has to be tailored to the needs of the individual
What factors contribute to an individual’s unique bio-individuality?
- Age
- Genetics
- Medical history
- Energetic constitution
- Diet, lifestyle, and environment
- Blood type
What is Autotoxaemia?
The reabsorption of toxic bowel wastes back into the bloodstream, particularly in cases of chronic constipation
What are some naturopathic techniques to promote bowel hygiene?
- Increase fluid and fiber intake
- Probiotic foods/supplements
- Fasting
- Enemas and colon hydrotherapy
- Bowel cleanses using herbs and clays
What does the concept ‘Fundamentals of Cure’ include?
- All forms of disease are due to the same fundamental cause
- The body is always trying to heal itself
- Suppression masks the illness
- The body has the intelligence to restore itself to health
What happens when the body is suppressed from expressing symptoms?
It drives disease deeper into the system
What is the relationship between chronic conditions and suppression?
Suppression can lead to deeper-seated, chronic problems
What is the importance of addressing the primary cause of disease?
Eliminating wastes or balancing acidity can cure diseases
True or False: Acute conditions are early manifestations of the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
True
Fill in the blank: The pH of the body’s tissues and fluids should remain ______ to avoid enzyme function disruption.
balanced
What did early naturopaths believe about the relationship between health and bowel function?
‘Death begins in the colon’
What may occur due to the re-absorption of putrid gases and acid wastes?
Altered blood chemistry and chronic low pH
What is the principal treatment approach for autotoxaemia?
Promote bowel hygiene and eliminate toxic waste
What factors influence the manifestation of a chronic condition?
Factors include:
* The immediate condition of the body
* The underlying constitution
* Genetics / hereditary tendencies
These factors can vary significantly from person to person.
What can happen if natural therapies are used only for symptom relief?
They can suppress symptoms rather than treating the root cause.
Examples include using cold body wraps for fever or topical creams for skin conditions.
What are examples of suppression in naturopathy?
Examples include:
* Suppression of emotions with antidepressants
* Suppression of natural body secretions like diarrhea
* Suppressive topical applications like steroid creams
* Surgical removals of inflamed tonsils
* Use of antibiotics for recurring infections
* Suppression of fever and pain with NSAIDs
Each of these can lead to deeper health issues.
What is the stance of naturopaths on vaccination?
Naturopaths believe vaccinations can confuse and suppress natural immunity, risking long-term health problems.
They emphasize proper nutrition and lifestyle as the foundation for strong immunity.
What is the self-righting power of the human system?
It refers to the body’s natural ability to heal itself, such as blood clotting or tissue regeneration.
Examples include how a cut finger clots or how bones mend.
What is the Triad of Health?
It consists of:
* Emotional level
* Biochemical level
* Structural level
Imbalance in any of these levels can lead to dysfunction and disease.
What does the Arndt-Schulz Law state about small and large doses?
According to the law:
* A small stimulus encourages a living system
* A large stimulus stops or destroys a living system
This principle applies to both homeopathy and modern medicine.
What are the therapeutic uses of hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy uses water for healing, including:
* Cleansing
* Tonifying
* Reducing
* Relaxing
* Dilating
It incorporates various techniques such as baths and compresses.
What is the purpose of Epsom salt baths?
Epsom salt baths help remove acid wastes and promote detoxification.
They are beneficial for skin conditions and muscle relaxation.
What is a Sitz bath and its uses?
A Sitz bath is a shallow hip bath used to relieve pelvic congestion in conditions like:
* Prostatitis
* Haemorrhoids
* Anal fissures
* Constipation
* Infections
It typically lasts 10-15 minutes.
What is contrast therapy in hydrotherapy?
Contrast therapy alternates hot and cold water applications to stimulate blood flow and promote healing.
It can be applied through baths or compresses.
Fill in the blank: Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic use of _______ as a healing agent.
[water]
True or False: Cold water applications are beneficial on their own in naturopathy.
False
Cold water is generally not used alone due to its suppressive effects.
What are the benefits of alternating hot and cold compresses?
Benefits include:
* Increased respiration
* Decreased blood flow with cold
* Increased blood flow with heat
* Muscle relaxation
This method is effective for musculoskeletal injuries.
What are contrast foot baths used for?
Cold feet, poor circulation, arthritis, musculoskeletal problems
Contrast foot baths alternate between warm and cold water to stimulate circulation and relieve discomfort.
What is the temperature of the warm water in a contrast foot bath?
Approximately 36°C
What is the temperature of the cold water in a contrast foot bath?
Approximately 10°C
How long should feet be submerged in the warm bath during contrast therapy?
Four minutes
How long should feet be submerged in the cold bath during contrast therapy?
30 seconds
What is the recommended final temperature for contrast therapy for inflammatory conditions?
Cold
What is the recommended final temperature for contrast therapy for general maintenance?
Warm
What are the benefits of steam baths?
- Stimulate circulation
- Dilate skin pores
- Promote detoxification of wastes via the skin
- Clear respiratory congestion
- Relieve stress and muscle tension
What is the primary internal use of water in hydrotherapy?
Hydration and elimination of acid wastes via the kidneys and bladder
What is referred to as the ‘universal solvent’?
Water
What does healthy bile flow require?
Adequate water content to prevent stasis
List the different types of water available.
- Tap water
- Hard water
- Soft water
- Rain water
- Distilled water
- Spring water
- Flowing artesian well water
- Reverse osmosis water
- Carbon (charcoal) filtered water
True or False: Drinking more alkaline or acid waters significantly affects blood pH.
False
What contaminants may be found in tap water?
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- Heavy metals
- Antibiotics
- Hormones
- Pesticides
- Pharmaceutical drug residues
What defines hard water?
High solute (mineral) content (>150 mg/L) mainly comprising carbonates of calcium and magnesium
What is a characteristic of soft water?
Low solute (mineral) content (<75 mg/L)
What is the pH characteristic of rain water?
Acidic due to dissolved CO2
What is distilled water?
Soft water (absence of minerals) formed from evaporation and condensation
What is the source of natural mineral water?
Underground aquifers
What is a characteristic of flowing artesian well water?
Comes from deep aquifers where it is under pressure
What is the purification process for reverse osmosis water?
Made by forced osmosis from high solute to low solute through a semi-permeable membrane
What is the efficiency of carbon-filtered water?
Removes most organic compounds but not efficient in removing inorganic material, fluoride, or toxic heavy metals
What is the best water to drink according to naturopaths?
Pure H2O with no additives
What are some ways to ‘energise’ water?
- Add fresh organic lemon
- Add cucumber
- Add fresh herbs
What is a potential negative effect of caffeinated drinks?
Diuretic and addictive, leading to a reduction of water and minerals in the body
What is the main complaint of the 25-year-old female client in the case study?
Recurrent bouts of bronchitis
What was the client’s dietary habit mentioned in the case study?
Mostly eats ready meals due to convenience
List two recommendations for hygiene for the client in the case study.
What hydrotherapy applications might be suggested for the client?
What drinking water recommendations could be given to the client?
What are the main effects of cold water?
What are the main effects of hot water?
What are the benefits of contrast therapy?
Describe the effects of Epsom salt baths.
What are the main differences between hard and soft water?
How pure is reverse osmosis water?
Approximately 99.5% pure
Why do naturopaths consider distilled water to be the best water to drink?
Are minerals more bio-available from water or foods?
Foods
SQ: What is the meaning of unity of disease?
SQ: What diet / lifestyle influences cause a low (acidic) pH?
SQ: Define the term Vital Force
SQ: What natural therapies work with the Vital Force?
SQ: What factors give us unique bio-individuality?
SQ: Which blood group produces most pepsin?
SQ: How does autotoxaemia occur?
SQ: What is the principal treatment approach
for autotoxaemia?
