Naturopathy facts for kids

Naturopathy is a type of alternative medicine. It is based on the idea that a special energy called "vital energy" helps control how our bodies work. This includes things like how we use food for energy (metabolism), how we make babies (reproduction), and how we grow.

People who practice naturopathy are called naturopaths. They often use treatments that look at the whole person, not just one part that is sick. They usually try to avoid surgery and strong medicines. Some naturopaths do not agree with modern science.

The word "naturopathy" comes from old Greek and Latin words. It means "nature disease."

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a healthcare system that focuses on natural ways to help your body heal itself. It believes that your body has a natural ability to get well. Naturopaths try to find the root cause of health problems, not just treat the symptoms.

How Naturopaths Help People

Naturopaths use many different methods to help people. These often include:

• Diet and Nutrition: They might suggest special diets or nutritional supplements.
• Herbal Medicine: They use plants and herbs for their healing properties.
• Hydrotherapy: This involves using water in different ways, like baths or compresses, to help the body.
• Lifestyle Changes: They might advise on exercise, sleep, and managing stress.
• Physical Treatments: This can include massage or other hands-on therapies.

Naturopaths believe in preventing illness and teaching people how to live a healthy life.

Vital Energy and Healing

A core idea in naturopathy is "vital energy." This is thought to be a life force that guides all body functions. Naturopaths believe that if this energy is balanced, your body can heal itself. They aim to support this vital energy through natural treatments.

Naturopathy and Modern Science

Many naturopathic practices are different from mainstream medicine. Modern medicine uses scientific research to prove if treatments work. Some naturopathic methods have not been fully studied or proven by science. For example, homeopathy, which uses very diluted substances, is often used by naturopaths but is not supported by scientific evidence.

Some health organizations, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, say that certain treatments, like ozone therapy, do not have known medical uses.

However, some naturopathic ideas, like eating healthy and exercising, are also part of modern health advice.

Training for Naturopaths

In some places, naturopaths go to special schools, like the National University of Natural Medicine or Bastyr University. These schools teach them about natural medicine. After finishing their studies, graduates can get a license to practice naturopathy in certain areas of North America.

Related pages

• Osteopathy

Images for kids

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  A person having a hydrotherapy session.

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  A nutritional supplement called Chromax II.

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  Homeopathic preparations are sometimes used in naturopathy.

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  Equipment for giving large enemas. Some naturopaths use enemas and colonic irrigation for various health issues.

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  A person receiving ozone IV therapy.

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  Measles cases in the United States dropped a lot after the measles vaccine was created.

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  The National University of Natural Medicine trains students in naturopathic medicine.

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  The herb garden at Bastyr University.

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  The Hugh Mercer Apothecary in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a museum showing 18th-century medical treatments.

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  Britt Marie Hermes in 2016, a former naturopath who now speaks out about naturopathic medicine.

See also

In Spanish: Naturopatía para niños