Naturopathy    

Health Care in the New Millennium

written by Dr. Alfreda Brodbeck, ND co-owner of Spring Renewal

The National Institute of Health's Office of Alternative Medicine announced that 83 million Americans -- 40% of the adult population -- sought out alternative health care in 1998.  A November 1998 study published by the Journal of the American Medical association reported that reliance on alternative treatments grew by 50% during the 1990's and that 4 out of 10 Americans used some form of alternative treatment, visiting alternative practitioners 629 million times in 1997.  They spent $27 billion out of pocket -- not covered by insurance.

The big question is why.  Why are so many Americans turning to alternative treatment.  The three most common answers are: 

1. Traditional drug therapy is not very effective for many of the lifestyle maladies from which we now suffer.  In bygone days, most of our illness were bacterial in nature and the wonder drugs saved millions of lives.  Today, however, we get sick from poor nutrition, toxic environments, sedentary lifestyles and stress.
2. Many people are concerned about the powerful and unpleasant side effects of drugs. 
3. People are looking for gentle care by someone who will spend time with them and really listen.  They want natural, safe, gentle health care and remedies.

Although there are many types of alternative treatment, the naturopath's office is the place where all the treatment modalities come together.  The naturopath is the general practitioner in the alternative realm.  During the initial consultation, the naturopathic physician usually spends about two hours with a client to gather a full history including information regarding lifestyle, stress issues, illnesses, accidents, and traumas (both physical and emotional) from childhood to the present.  The naturopath considers the client's nutritional habits, sleep patterns, body functions, and exercise habits.  Rather than just investigating symptoms, the naturopath is looking for clues such as patterns that seem to repeat or the time when a chronic illness first started.  The naturopath is looking for the pieces to the puzzle that make each client unique.  The naturopath takes time to listen -- really listen.  And, that's what people want and need.

Following the initial consultation, the naturopath will outline suggestions designed to assist the client in improving health and well-being.  Suggestions may include dietary changes, lifestyle changes, exercise, journal writing, vitamins, herbs, glandular extract, homeopathic remedies, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy or massage therapy.  The naturopath will spend time educating the client about methods improving and maintaining health.

As Naturopathy and other alternative and other alternative treatment modalities are demanded by more and more clients, insurance companies are beginning to consider coverage for alternative health care.  From a strictly financial prospective, alternative health care is usually far less expensive than traditional medical treatments and drugs.  Clients seeking alternative therapies should check with their insurance carriers for the possibility of coverage.  Insurance carriers are beginning to listen to the voices of the millions demanding natural health care.

A word of caution does need to be addressed.  With the boom in alternative health care, many new practitioners are jumping on the bandwagon.  If you have decided to try alternative health care, make sure that your practitioner is well-trained and credible.  Many states do not regulate alternative health care practices.  There are many wonderful alternative practitioners, but, be sure that the practitioner you choose is knowledgeable and professional.  Whether you select a massage therapist, herbalist, naturopath, etc., check credentials, visit the office, ask questions, and trust your intuition.  Be proactive.  Take responsibility not just for your health but in selecting the people you trust to help you take the path to good health.

Good health is our birthright.  Our natural state is good health, but sometimes we get so overloaded with stress, poor nutrition, lake of exercise, ect.  that the body cannot maintain wellness.  The naturopath uses a multifaceted approach and a variety of treatment modalities to help the client restore balance, harmony and well being.  The naturopath also recognizes the need for medicine to be complimentary and will frequently make recommendations for the client to see other medical professionals.

Just like the stereotype of the old family doctor who listens and provides gentle care, the naturopath does just  that.  The naturopath is the bridge between holistic medicine and traditional medicine.  As the trend toward alternative medicine grows, the naturopath will continue to become recognized as a primary care provider.  Gentle care, someone who listens, lower cost - is it any wonder that so many people are seeking out alternative treatment and so many practitioners, including traditional medical professionals, are implementing more gentle, natural  methods into their practices?

Dr. Alfreda Brodbeck, ND

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Last modified: July 06, 2004