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How
the Body Heals
Our
culture has begun to once again understand that human beings are
intricately connected to the natural world. In contrast to conventional
medicine's teaching of a separation between nature, the mind, body,
and spirit a "Whole Systems" approach to health views each organ
as having particular body and mind functions, and a clear understanding
of nature's ability to assist in healing. This "Whole Systems" approach
seeks to improve health and treat disease chiefly by assisting the
body's innate capacity to recover from illness and injury. Bacteria
and viruses, which are always present, seldom cause problems in
a healthy body. According to naturopathic practice, disease occurs
when imbalance is present and/or when toxins accumulate internally
- often due to incorrect lifestyle, a poor diet, and improper care
of the body . While conventional medical treatments may rid the
body of symptoms, these treatments alone do not bring true healing.
Rather than trying to attack specific symptoms and diseases, a Whole
Systems philosophy offers a wholistic approach to the individual
that supports the body in finding its way back to homeostasis using
basic principles of more traditional modalities of healing. Indeed
these principles are also the corner stones of healing put forth
by the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates himself and include:
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The healing power of nature
Nature
may heal slowly, but heal she does if given the chance. This chance
to heal may mean changes in life style such as, a more wholesome
and nourishing relationship with food, getting enough sleep, plenty
of exercise, a healthy connection to the natural world and to your
community.
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Uncover the Cause of Disease Not Just Identify Symptoms
The
underlying cause of the disease must be removed in order for real
healing to take place. This may require a deep listening by you
and a qualified team of health care providers. The root cause of
illness can exist at the physical, emotional and spiritual levels
and all of you must be honored and cared for in order for total
healing to occur.
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First Do No Harm
Trust
in nature's ability to heal includes the manifestation of symptoms
and suppressing these attempts by the body to heal itself should
be avoided. For example fever is an attempt for the body to burn
up bacteria and when the process of a fever is prematurely interrupted
it can drive the imbalance further into the system and leave the
patient in a weaker state over all. A fever, within reason of course,
should be closely monitored but respected as the body's way of healing
itself. This is true of coughing, vomiting, and sweating as well.
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The Health Care Provider as Teacher
Encouraging
you to be a cooperative partner in the process of regaining and
maintaining your health requires sharing of information and an exchange
of ideas. As you develop a more intimate relationship to the subtle
messages your body sends forth and learn how to interpret this intelligent
language of your body, mind and spirit you can take profound and
meaningful responsibility for your own health and wellness.
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Prevention
The
ultimate goal of course is to work at building vibrant health through
lifestyle adjustments and alignment with the natural world, instead
of fighting disease once it arrives.
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