Naturopathy is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine in Australia today. It emphasises holistic disease prevention through natural, therapeutic methods.
History of Naturopathy
The term naturopathy originates from the Greek root for suffering (“pathos”) and the Latin root for birth (“natura”) and suggests “natural healing.” The first advocate of naturopathic medicine is said to be Hippocrates, however, the modern form of naturopathy is traced to 18th and 19th-century “natural healing” systems. These include “nature cures”, which were the use of light, food, air, water and herbs (developed in Austria), and hydrotherapy (popular in Germany), which was the use of water to treat illness.
The term naturopathy was coined in 1895 by John Scheel and purchased by Benedict Lust, whom naturopaths consider to be the “Father of U.S. Naturopathy.” Lust had been schooled in hydrotherapy and other natural health practices in Germany by his father, who sent Lust to America to spread his drugless methods. Lust first introduced naturopathy to America in 1901, when he founded the American School of Naturopathy.
Homeopathy vs Naturopathy
What’s the difference between homeopathy and naturopathy? While the two may seem similar, naturopathy is a lot broader than homeopathy, encompassing a wider range of treatments. A naturopathist is more likely to prescribe multiple treatments such as supplements, herbs, and dietary recommendations, whereas a homeopath will only ever prescribe homeopathic remedies.
Naturopathy can encompass a wide range of natural therapies, such as herbal medicines, massage, nutrition, iridology, and more. Its philosophy is “nature cures,” which has similarities to homeopathy, but is much broader.