Treatments used in naturopathic medicine
Naturopathic medicine has its own methods of therapeutic manipulation of muscles, bones, and spine. Naturopathic medicine practitioners also use ultrasound, diathermy, exercise, massage, colon therapy, water baths, heat and cold treatments, air, and gentle electrical pulses.
Standard techniques in naturopathic medicine also encompass "herbs, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, acupuncture cupping, moxibustion, enemas, aromatherapy, fasting, hypnosis, reflexology, joint manipulation or Rolfing, cranial bone realignment, zone therapy, yoga, magnet therapy, therapeutic touch or other energy healing techniques, and many other unconventional therapies.
The language of traditional Chinese medicine is blended into naturopathy where the idea of balancing energy is modified to include cleansing and detoxification techniques. Applied kinesiology, medical dowsing, iridology and Kirlian aura photography are also blended into many naturopathic medicine practices." (homeoinfo.com/08_non-classical_topics/wide/naturopathy.php)
Use of diathermy in naturopathic medicine
Diathermy is the use of high frequency electric current to produce heat that is used to cut or destroy tissue or produce coagulation. Naturopathic medicine physicians use an electrical frequency in the range of 300 kHz to 3 MHz. The patient's body forms part of the electrical circuit and has no effect on the muscles.
In naturopathic medicine diathermy is used for arthritis, bursitis, and other disorders of the tendons and muscles, as well as for certain other conditions that require tissue repair. It works by using electric current to increase local blood circulation and facilitate and speed up the process of absorption and repair.
Use of colon therapy in naturopathic medicine
Also called colonic hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation, colon therapy is used to detoxify the colon and cleanse the body of old waste matter. Using the same cleansing principle as the enema, colonic therapy flushes out the large intestine by filling it with water.
The amount of water and machinery used allows for a cleansing and emptying of the entire length of the colon, roughly a five foot length. In naturopathic medicine it is often believes that the health of the colon can affect the health of the whole body.
Colonic irrigation with the use of supplements and dietary changes can address issues of constipation and help rebalance the body's beneficial intestinal flora. It has been successful in treating digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome and even headaches.
By removing the waste matter that has built up in the crevices of the colon over time, the body no longer reabsorbs toxins from this waste. Colonic therapy is a controversial topic even in the naturopathic community. While some say that it is the best way to recover from health abuses of the past, others view it as unnatural and intrusive, stressing the body's natural elimination system.
The use of massage in naturopathic medicine
Massage is an inherently detoxifying process, regardless of gentle or deep pressure. The psychological component of touch heals on an energetic level and the physical benefits include the reduction of muscle and mental tension and movement of the lymph system. Because of its health-promoting factors, many doctors of naturopathic medicine are also trained in massage and body work.
While massage can simply be relaxing to healthy people, massage therapy can hold profound healing power for the sick. A recent study from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis shows that massage had curative power for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The study showed that massage helped with fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy. It can also help flush the toxins from chemotherapy out of the body.
It can also have psychological benefit, helping with emotional and mood problems such as anger, anxiety, depression and confusion. For these reasons massage is one of the most helpful and versatile tools employed in naturopathic medicine.
The use of magnet therapy in naturopathic medicine
Magnet therapy is a tool of naturopathic medicine which harnesses the healing powers of magnetic fields. Magnets can be used to heal any disorder but some claim they are particularly beneficial for helping broken bones heal faster and helping relieve pain. Others use magnets the same way that acupuncturist use needles, to release energy stagnation and help energy flow through the body in a healing and balanced way.
There has been little scientific study on the efficacy of magnets as a healing modality and most of the support comes from personal testimonials. Based mostly on word of mouth the use of magnets for healing purposes is rising in the United States. Magnets are also becoming increasing popular for easing the pain associated with arthritis.
Have you visited Trinity Clinic's vast content areas, covering topics such as Holistic Medicine,
Alternative Medicine Cancer, and
Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy?
| 
