Overview of international naturopathic practice and patient characteristics: results from a cross-sectional study in 14 countries

Abstract

Background: Naturopathy is a distinct system of traditional and complementary medicine recognized by the World Health Organization and defined by its philosophic approach to patient care, rather than the treatments used by practitioners. Worldwide, over 98 countries have practicing naturopaths, representing 36% of all countries and every world region. The contributions of naturopaths to healthcare delivery services internationally has not been previously examined. Thus, the primary intention of this research was to conduct an international survey of naturopathic practice and patient characteristics in order to gain insight to the breadth of their practices and the type of clinical conditions routinely encountered. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in naturopathic clinics in 14 countries within 4 world regions including the European () and African (South Africa). Naturopathic practitioners in each country were invited to prospectively complete an online survey for 20 consecutive cases. The survey was administered in four languages. Results: A total of 56 naturopaths from 14 countries participated in the study, providing a mean of 15.1 cases each (SD 7.6) and 851 cases in total. Most patients were female (72.6%) and all age categories were represented with a similar proportion for 36-45 years (20.2%), 46-55 years (19.5%), and 56-65 years (19.3%). A substantial majority (75%) of patients were considered by the participant to be presenting with chronic health conditions. The most prevalent category of health conditions were musculoskeletal (18.5%), gastrointestinal (12.2%), and mental illness (11.0%). The most common treatment categories prescribed or recommended to patients by the participants were dietary changes (60.5%), lifestyle and behaviour changes (56.9%), herbal medicines (54.2%) and nutritional supplements (52.1%). Many patients were known by participants to be receiving care from a general practitioner (43.2%) or a specialist medical practitioner (27.8%). Conclusions: Naturopathic practitioners provide health care for diverse health conditions in patients in different age groups. The global population would benefit from researchers and policy makers paying closer attention to the potential risks, benefits, challenges and opportunities of the provision of naturopathic care within the community.

The potential contribution of traditional, complementary and integrative treatments in acute viral respiratory tract infections: Rapid Reviews in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Like many TCIM practices, naturopathic practitioners commonly employ multiple types of treatments when managing an individuals’ health [ 9 ] and, in line with contemporary patient-centred and evidence-based practice principles [ 10 , 11 ], develop tailored treatment plans that address the individual symptomatic presentation of each patient. Naturopathy is also complex traditional medicine system that prioritises prevention and whole person approaches to health and wellness, and the reviews of specific treatments also need to be viewed in this context when assessing their suitability for integration in that profession [ 12 ], just as they do for any other clinical setting.…”

“…Naturopathy is also complex traditional medicine system that prioritises prevention and whole person approaches to health and wellness, and the reviews of specific treatments also need to be viewed in this context when assessing their suitability for integration in that profession [ 12 ], just as they do for any other clinical setting. Furthermore, individuals with complex non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, represent a substantial proportion of patient populations internationally [ 9 ] and clinical research suggests TCIM approaches such as naturopathic care can be effective in treating such conditions [ 13 ]. With this in mind, TCIM – including naturopathy – may have a valuable role to play in the ongoing and evolving landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic to support primary and secondary prevention efforts focused on improving the health of the community and thereby potentially reduce the severity of some COVID-19 cases and create a better outcome overall.…”

Rationaler Einsatz der klassischen Naturheilverfahren und Balneotherapie in der rheumatologischen Rehabilitation

“…Klassische und alternative Naturheilverfahren werden heute unter dem international geprägten Oberbegriff der "complementary and alternative medicine" (CAM) zusammengefasst. Akzeptanz und Zuspruch für die CAM sind, ungeachtet aller Weiterentwicklungen in der konventionellen Medizin, in der Bevölkerung hoch [4][5][6].…”

The effects of Hedera helix on viral respiratory infections in humans: A rapid review

“…Herbal medicine is a core component of naturopathic practice worldwide [ 11 ]. Preparations made from H. helix are widely available in Australia, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean region, and North, Central and South America [ 2 , 8 , 12 , 13 ].…”