Integrative physiology and traditional naturopathic practice: results of an international observational study

Naturopathic patient care during different life stages: an international observational study of naturopathic practitioners and their patients

“…Similarly, published adverse events of other medications such as increased risk of suicide associated with the acne medication isotretinoin [ 39 ] as well as global concerns with over-prescription of antibiotics [ 40 ] may ‘push’ patients and their parents to seek other treatment options for conditions such as acne and respiratory infections [ 41 ]. In contrast, naturopathic care for these conditions embrace principles of complexity and holism [ 12 , 13 ] by treating related physiological systems that may directly and indirectly impact on the presentation of a skin or respiratory condition such as the gastrointestinal system as was identified in our study and is described in naturopathic clinical texts and other practice-based research [ 16 , 22 ]. Such traditional naturopathic approaches to managing these conditions are supported by emerging research which reports a clinically significant link between microbiome and allergic disease inclusive of atopic dermatitis and asthma [ 42 ].…”

“…This secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study aimed to describe the approach to the care of NPs based on the life stage of their patients. Results from the primary analysis of this data have been published previously [ 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Previous research has found individuals consult with a naturopathic practitioner (NP) for assistance with a diverse range of conditions, including illnesses contributing significant disease burden globally [ 15 ]. Research has also found NPs approach management of these conditions in a manner which aligns with their philosophies and principles by being holistic [ 16 ], patient-centred [ 17 ], and committed to patient education [ 18 ]. There is also evidence that NPs provide care to individuals at different life stages including childhood [ 19 ], pregnancy [ 20 ] and older adulthood [ 21 ].…”

Community education and health promotion activities of naturopathic practitioners: results of an international cross-sectional survey

“…While this previous research relates specifically to type 2 diabetes, other research reports a similar emphasis on patient-centredness, empowerment and patient education by NPs when providing care to individuals diagnosed with health conditions such as cancer [ 47 ] and other chronic illnesses [ 25 , 26 ]. In addition to examining the clinical effect of naturopathic approaches to patient education, it is also worth exploring the specific content of the information shared by NPs with patients and the community as naturopathy encourages a holistic understanding of health which includes an emphasis on interaction between physiological systems [ 48 ].…”

Primary Health Care Case Management Through the Lens of Complexity: an Exploratory Study of Naturopathic Practice Using Complexity Science Principles

“…Naturopathy is philosophically consistent with complex, dynamic and extended network models (Bell & Koithan, 2006;Koithan et al, 2012) based on its meta-theoretical precepts such as holism and nonspeci city that it shares with other complementary medicine professions (Graham et al, 2021a). Naturopathy is founded on an inter-systems approach (Sarris et al, 2014;Steel et al, 2020) aligning it with complexity principles This philosophical foundation makes naturopathy an ideal model to test systems-based tools and strategies in a clinical healthcare setting. The holistic perspective of naturopathy may be observed in the mind maps created by some naturopaths as part of their case management process.…”