Understanding Naturopathy

Naturopathy uses natural means to balance the functioning of the body. By focusing on health prevention and healthy living, it aims to strengthen the body’s defenses. A naturopath can intervene in one-off or chronic disorders, such as stress management, anxiety, fatigue, or weight. Their role is to guide the patient towards better physical and mental well-being: and bingo, we need more than both as we age.

Difference between Naturotherapy and Naturopathy

Naturopathy and naturopathic medicine may seem similar, but they have important nuances to understand. While naturopathy is a health philosophy focused on prevention and using the body’s self-healing powers, naturopathic medicine is more focused on treating diseases once they are already present.

Both disciplines use natural methods to support health, but they differ in their approach to intervention. Naturopathic medicine focuses on finding the causes of disease with a natural approach, including examining all the biological, clinical, physical, and psychological phenomena that contribute to the state of health.

The principles of naturopathy

Naturopathy is a preventive medicine that is based on several principles that guide practitioners in their holistic approach. Among these principles, we find vitalism which recognizes the body’s self-healing capacity thanks to its vital energy. Causalism focuses on identifying the root cause of diseases rather than treating symptoms. Humorism is based on the importance of the balance of body fluids. Hygienism emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Finally,  holism considers the individual in his or her entirety, including his or her physical, emotional, social, energetic, and environmental aspects.

What is a naturopath and what is their role?

The naturopath’s main role is to support the patient towards a better state of health using natural means. He is interested in the person as a whole and adapts his support according to his problem and his vitality assessment.

• He acts as a health educator, explaining how the body works, its mechanisms, and possible disorders.
• He is attentive and a good listener, and guides the patient towards a healthy lifestyle.
• Her advice covers areas such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.

It should be noted that the naturopath does not replace the doctor but complements the traditional medical approach with comprehensive care of the individual.

The goal of naturopathy

The main objective of naturopathy is to preserve, optimize, and restore the health of the individual. This discipline is based on the body’s intrinsic capacity to self-regenerate thanks to its natural defenses. The goal of naturopathy is therefore twofold: both therapeutic and educational.

On the one hand, it helps restore health by treating the root causes of imbalances and not just the symptoms. On the other hand, it aims to be educational by promoting a better lifestyle. It aims to make each individual an actor in their health, by providing them with the knowledge necessary to take care of themselves autonomously and responsibly.

In short, naturopathy seeks to promote a state of holistic well-being, including physical, mental, and social well-being.

Techniques used in naturopathy

The  4 major techniques

• Diet and nutrition: the naturopath guides the patient towards a healthy and balanced diet.
• Physical exercise:  it encourages the practice of physical exercises adapted to the individual.
• Hydrology: it uses the benefits of water in different forms (baths, showers, cures, etc.).

The  6 minor techniques

• Manual techniques:   massages, reflexology, etc.
• Phyto-aromatology: use of plants and essential oils.
• Breathing techniques:   breathing exercises for better stress management.
• Energy techniques:   rebalancing the body’s energies.
• Vibrational techniques:   use of vibrations for well-being (e.g. music therapy).

These techniques are adapted according to the needs of each individual.

The importance of healthy living in naturopathy

Lifestyle hygiene in naturopathy is a key concept that encompasses aspects such as diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress management. Adopting a healthy lifestyle helps strengthen our immune system, prevent chronic diseases, and improve our general well-being.

• Diet and nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential.
• Physical activity: regular exercise, adapted to our abilities, helps maintain good health.
• Sleep: Adequate rest is essential for the recovery and regeneration of our body.
• Stress management: relaxation and stress management techniques can contribute to better psycho-emotional balance.

It is also crucial to avoid toxic substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Personal hygiene, conscious breathing, and a positive attitude are also important elements of a naturopathic lifestyle.

In naturopathy, lifestyle is adapted according to the temperament and terrain of each individual. This is what makes this practice unique: it offers personalized advice so that everyone can flourish and preserve or regain their health.

In summary, healthy living in naturopathy aims to create a favorable environment to optimize our vital force, this energy that allows our body to function and regenerate.

What does a naturopath treat?

• Digestive disorders: Through personalized advice on diet and lifestyle, naturopathy can help improve digestion and reduce problems such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
• Sleep disorders: Through stress management techniques and sleep hygiene recommendations, a naturopath can help restore quality sleep.
• Skin issues: By identifying potential triggers such as food allergies or stress, and recommending natural remedies, naturopathy can help soothe skin inflammation and reduce symptoms of conditions such as eczema.
• Immune disorders: Naturopathy aims to strengthen the immune system by promoting a healthy lifestyle and using natural approaches to reduce inflammation.

It should be noted that naturopathy is not limited to treating specific symptoms. It aims to improve the overall vitality of the individual, by acting on the cause of these disorders and strengthening the body’s natural defenses.

Why consult a naturopath?

Consulting a naturopath can be beneficial for several reasons. First, it can be a viable option for those seeking a holistic approach to health, which takes into account all the factors (physical, emotional, environmental) that can impact overall health.

Then, the naturopath can help minimize the side effects of traditional medical treatment, as is the case when you want to quit smoking. In the same vein, it can also help strengthen the immune system, especially during convalescence.

Naturopathy can be helpful for people with hormonal issues, such as painful periods or menopause. Additionally, it can be a valuable resource for people looking to improve their quality of life, even in the absence of specific health issues.

Finally, the naturopath has a role as a health educator and aims to make each patient autonomous to take care of themselves. He offers natural solutions adapted to each individual, according to their own needs (vitality, terrain, professional activity, age, etc.).

Naturopath and Naturopathy in Lille

There are many naturopathic practices in Lille that you can consult in sessions and individual follow-ups. Group sessions are often less expensive since they do not allow for real personalized follow-up but the approach of a theme, embellished with questions and answers with the audience. This is a great option that allows you to take a first step in naturopathy and discover solutions to your fatigue, your stress, or your digestion problems.