Naturopathy is based on the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself and that a healthy lifestyle is everything. Anne Woodham explains how it works

The body's natural state - the 'vital force' - seeks to achieve a state of equilibrium (homeostasis) in which all systems function in harmony. It can be weakened by an unhealthy lifestyle - poor diet, stress, environmental pollution, lack of fresh air, sleep and exercise - that disturbs organ function, especially digestion and excretion, and allows waste products to build up and viruses, bacteria and allergens to take hold.

Holistic approach
Rather than knock out a disease with drugs, naturopathy practitioners try to identify the underlying cause of symptoms. They use a range of natural treatments, such as a wholefood diet, medicinal herbs, yoga, osteopathy, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, massage and acupuncture to stimulate self-healing processes, improve circulation and digestion, increase elimination of waste products and enhance immunity and emotional well-being.

Symptoms such as fever are signs that the body is calling on its self-healing powers. As long as the situation is not life threatening, naturopaths believe these should be left alone to get on with the job. Suppressing symptoms may allow disorders to go 'underground,' become chronic and degenerate further.

Naturopathy is the western version of other holistic nature-based medical systems that rely on herbal remedies and diet management, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Hippocrates, the 'father of medicine' laid the guidelines for naturopathy 2,500 years ago. Health, he said, can be maintained by the correct balance of rest, exercise and plain food, and cures should be as natural as possible.

Natural medicine
Naturopathy, also known as 'natural medicine,' grew out of the 'nature cure' practised in 19th century Austrian and German health spas that emphasised hydrotherapy, fresh air, sunlight and exercise. Benedict Lust, a German follower of Father Sebastian Kniepp, a Bavarian monk who introduced health farms as we know them, took these ideas to America in the 1890s where they quickly became popular. Dr John Scheel of New York coined the term 'naturopathy' in 1895 and John Kellogg of breakfast cereal fame used natural therapies in his Michigan sanatorium at the end of the 19th century.

Advances in medical science and pharmaceuticals overshadowed naturopathic ideas until the 1960s when interest revived. In some US states, naturopaths are recognised as family practitioners and Germany has several thousand licensed naturopaths, or Heilpraktiker (health practitioners).

How does it work?
Naturopaths take a holistic approach tailored to individual needs and will ask detailed questions about your medical history, lifestyle, eating and sleeping patterns, bowel movements, menstrual cycle, work, relationships, likes and dislikes. You'll probably be given a routine medical examination and X-rays, blood and urine tests and even specialised scans, such as ultrasound, may be arranged. Less conventional diagnostic procedures could include examining your irises (iridology), muscle testing (kinesiology) and analysis of blood, sweat or hair for mineral imbalances or toxic metal accumulations.

If your condition is due to a build-up of waste products, treatment may include fasting and other detoxifying measures. Nutritional supplements and dietary changes may be suggested if your digestion is poor and your constitution needs strengthening. You'll probably also receive advice about breathing patterns, exercise and relaxation. Naturopaths also tend to be multi-skilled so treatment will generally include other complementary therapies such as herbal medicine, acupuncture and counselling.

Hydrotherapy is an important naturopathic treatment to improve circulation, oxygenate and decongest tissues, and flush waste products from the body. Traditionally it involves hot and cold baths, steam rooms and compresses, but whirlpools and water jets are now included. Cold water constricts surface blood vessels, sending blood to nourish internal organs, and relieves external inflammation. Hot water dilates surface blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and increasing blood flow to the skin.

What is it good for?
Naturopathy claims to treat a wide range of disorders but it is said to be particularly effective for recurrent infections, chronic conditions like asthma and arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, premenstrual syndrome, high blood pressure, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Medical research increasingly supports the benefits of a low fat diet rich in wholefoods, fruit and vegetables, as well as other naturopathic advice about exercise, relaxation and stress management.

What to watch out for
Do not fast or follow a restricted diet without the supervision of a qualified naturopath.

How much does it cost?
The first consultation is usually 40-60 minutes. Expect to pay from £25-£60 plus for this, depending on where you live. Subsequent consultations are around 20-30 minutes and just over half the price of the initial one.

How can I find it?
General Council and Register of Naturopaths
Maintains a register of practitioners with accredited training
Goswell House, 2 Goswell Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0JG
Tel 01458 840072
www.naturopathy.org.uk