The Origins of Naturopathy
The philosophy of Naturopathy is founded on the principle of vis medicatrix naturae, namely the Healing Power of Nature. Naturopathy recognises that the body is innately a self-healing organism, and that by providing it with the right means, ill health can be prevented and dynamic balance restored to body and mind.
It does this by:
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employing the least aggressive methods
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utilizing naturally-derived treatments
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modifying destructive behaviours
The core principles and ideology of Naturopathy, as originated by the Greek philosopher and Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, were based on traditional folk medicine and vitalism. The term was however only
coined in the 1880s. Hippocrates advocated that the whole person be considered, relative to identifying the cause of dis-ease, and recommended applying the laws of nature to promote homeostasis or cure.
Although it was from this original school of thought that Naturopathy takes its principles, modern Naturopathy however combines these doctrines with evidence-based based medicine.