Naturopathy

Question 1

Definition of Naturopathy

Answer 1

A system of healthcare which encourages and promotes the body’s own self healing mechanisms by promoting naturopathic principles. Examples: Nutrition, Fasting, Hydrotherapy, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy.

Question 2

What are the five naturopathic principles?

Answer 2

“Self-healing hollow cause prevents education”

1. The body can heal itself given the right conditions and treatments (stimulation/suppression of Qi)
2. Treat the cause, not the symptom
3. Treat the whole person, not individual body systems taking into account physical, mental, genetic, environmental, social and other factors
4. Prevention is Preferable to cure
5. Education - empowering people to take responsibility for their own health

Question 3

Definition of Health?

Answer 3

Not the absence of disease but abundant vitality - the best possible physical, mental and emotional state.

Question 4

What is a Naturopathic Nutritionist and what will they focus on?

Answer 4

Someone who follows naturopathic principles knowing that every person is an individual and requires a personalised nutritional approach to health. Will focus on

• use of whole and organic food as medicine
• the importance of detoxification and cleansing
• looking at the constitution of a patient (TCM /Ayurveda)

Question 5

Difference between nutrient, nourishment and nutrition

Answer 5

Nutrient is a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and maintenance of life.
Nourishment is food or other substances necessary for growth, health and good condition.
Nutrition is the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.

Question 6

Difference between whole food, organic food and food

Answer 6

Food that has not been processed or refined and is free from additives or other artificial substances is WHOLE foods.
Food free from pesticides, fertilisers, irradiation, GMOs, growth hormones, livestock feed additives is ORGANIC food.
FOOD is any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and growth.

Question 7

Definition of superfoods

Answer 7

Superfoods are foods containing all or nearly all of the vitamins, minerals and trace minerals a body needs i.e. algae’s, sprouts, bee pollen.
Essential for human health as part of a whole food diet.

Question 8

What is junk food?

Answer 8

Substance that is non-natural, has been altered, highly processed and is not suitable to maintain health and growth (i.e. GMO, sweeteners, pesticides etc)

Junk food hinders cell communication and is therefore detrimental to health and well being.

Question 9

How does Hydrotherapy work? Give some examples.

Answer 9

Therapeutic use of water as a heating agent first developed by Kneipp
Cold water - decreases circulation and numbs the area
Hot water - relaxes muscles and increases circulation
Alternatively hot and cold: stimulates blood flow - increasing oxygen and nutrition supply to the cells
Applications: Compresses, wraps, foot baths, steam bath, sauna; internally: water is a universal solvent, carrier of nutrients into cells and flushing out waste.
Water treading: strengthens immune system, refresh tired legs, lowers blood pressure, good for headaches, helps calm down and promote good sleep; caution when suffering from acute bladder and kidney disease.

Question 10

Herings law of cure

Answer 10

1. Inside - out (boil formation)
2. Away from vital organs (lungs - asthma to skin - eczema)
3. Mind to body (anxiety to IBS)
4. Symptoms disappear in reverse order
5. Top to bottom