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Homeopathy vs Naturopathy

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Amidst a wide range of medical treatments available around the globe, these two are the most similar yet varying methods of treatment prevailing.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Deepak Dass

Published At May 2, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 14, 2023

Introduction

Homeopathy and naturopathy are two different streams of medicine originally initiated from the orthodox or traditional roots of medicine, which at the same time appear to be different in their own ways. Homeopathy as a form of medical treatment came into existence 200 years ago and has been potentially continued. It believes in two concepts, which state that cure can be achieved with minimal dosage and derivatives from cured people of the same infection. Naturopathy is a combination of traditional practices and medical practices. This form of medicine originated in the 19th century. Naturopathy aims at treating people with the benefits of nature to calm and treat them, thereby improving their health. In many ways, both homeopathy and naturopathy are proven to be highly beneficial in treating patients and catering their health care according to their needs.

What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a natural method of treating patients by using products from plants, such as the barks and roots of herbs, red onions, etc., minerals like sulfur and white arsenic, etc., and animals and their products, such as beeswax. All these products that were taken are made to crystallize like sugar pellets, which can be consumed orally or are available in the form of gels, ointments, creams, drops, and tablets. The main benefit of this form of treatment is that it can be customized according to the health condition and needs of the patient. However, the key concepts that underlie the theories of homeopathy are often inconsistent in their correlation with scientific concepts and beliefs, and hence have to pass through various criteria and approaches to be cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to satisfy safety measures, proportional values, and standardization. However, on the whole, homeopathy is a field of medicine that aims to cure the patient through a holistic scientific approach.

Who Practices Homeopathy?

This form of medicine is practiced by homeopathic physicians who are certified under the American Board of Homeo-Therapeutics with an approved homeopathic education and clinical practice of at least three years.

What Are the Benefits of Homeopathy?

On a whole, the concept of homeopathy offers the individual's wellbeing in a holistic manner, and its potential benefits are:

  • It is a safer form of treatment that is proven to be efficient.

  • Homeopathy is known to cure various diseases.

  • The medications are often palatable and easier to administer.

  • Homeopathic medications are often cost effective and easily available.

  • The medicines are easier to prepare by the physician.

What Is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is not a form of medicine but the practice of living according to the ancient system of medicine contained within the application of nature and the environment. It practices medicine by returning to nature for healing without any drugs or medications while living coherently with society. Naturopathy is a treatment provided by traditional naturopathic physicians all around the world. The treatment approaches provided by the naturopaths are often dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, various stress relief therapies like hydrotherapy, mud therapy, etc., herbal supplements, exercises in the form of therapy, systemic cleansing and detoxification, counseling, and psychotherapy for a healthier body and mind. Naturopathy also focuses on the concept of the body healing itself, making a person responsible for optimizing their health and preventing health issues. The concepts of naturopathy include:

  • Treating the cause.

  • Promoting self healing.

  • Harmless treatment.

  • Holistic approach.

  • Prevention.

  • Patient education.

Who Practices Naturopathy?

Naturopathy as a form of medicine is practiced by numerous people around the world, as people from all parts of the world travel to get these therapies done. The people practicing naturopathy are:

  • Traditional Naturopaths: These practitioners are commonly called naturopaths as their exposure and training skills may vary from person to person depending on their experience of expertise. They do not have a certified or professional degree and are mostly not qualified for obtaining a license.

  • Naturopathic Physicians: Here the naturopathic physicians are academically trained professionals certified under The Council of Naturopathic Medical Education by the Department of Education in the United States.

What Are the Benefits of Naturopathy?

Naturopathy as a form of treatment is a very disciplined approach to health care, and often its theories advise a person to look after their health. Naturopathy is never considered a lone standing treatment, as it is always in adjunct with other treatment methods. Among the range of benefits provided, some of them are:

  • It can be provided along with modern forms of medicine.

  • It is cost effective.

  • Direct the body towards self healing properties.

  • Brings a disciple in a patient's lifestyle.

  • Makes patients responsible for their own health.

  • Helps in healing various ailments.

What Is Homeopathy vs. Naturopathy?

In the concept of homeopathy versus naturopathy, it is seen that both fall under the orthodox method of treatment; however, naturopathy and homeopathy are very well distinguished as modes of treatment. While naturopathy focuses on self-healing methods obtained from the benefits of natural therapies such as saunas, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, and so on, it also treats ailments by boosting the body's innate metabolism and health. Homeopathy, on the other hand, is a combination of natural and allopathic treatments in which the compounds used are entirely derived from natural sources and then converted into tablets, syrups, ointments, and so on. However, both types of treatment have proven to be beneficial in their own right, treating and healing patients on occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both homeopathy and naturopathy are excellent forms of treatment that help treat various health disorders and have potent effects on the body's various systems, like the cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, respiratory, etc. Although care should be taken while obtaining either treatment from trained professionals to keep a check on the limitations in dosages and means of administration. Both homeopathy and naturopathy are excellent medicinal sources that are a boon to people, especially those looking for alternatives to adjunct forms of medicine, and can be practiced without worrying. They not only ensure systemic well being by putting the patient under a disciplined lifestyle in coherence with the environment.

Dr. Deepak Dass
Dr. Deepak Dass

Homeopathy

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