Naturopathy is the general practice of natural therapies. It emphasizes prevention, treatment, and promotion of optimal health through therapeutic modalities which encourage the self-healing process of the body. Formalized in the 19th century by the hydrotherapy and nature cure movement in Austria and Germany, naturopathy was introduced to Australia at the turn of the 20th century. It became popular since the 1970s due to social and cultural change characterized by the post-modern philosophy, as well as government policies highlighting individual responsibility and freedom of choice. Naturopathy is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine in Australia today with naturopaths received 4.9 million consultations annually. Naturopathic consultations are sought for a variety of conditions and, in some areas, as a form of primary care, especially by middle-aged women who have a higher education level and a higher annual income. The number of Australian naturopaths was estimated to be over 4000 in 2017 and expects to grow to over 4600 by 2022, although this number is likely to be an underestimation. Australian naturopaths, as a predominantly female profession, work mainly in private clinical practice with nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, as well as massage therapies being the most common modalities used. There are also signs of greater integration with community pharmacies and integrative medicine clinics in major cities. The Bachelor's degree programs in Naturopathy has just become the only accredited entry-level qualification since late 2015. Currently, there are only 5 private colleges offering naturopathic education, a far cry from the 40 over in mid-2000. The profession continues to be self-regulated. There is no barrier of entry to practice and unqualified practitioners of naturopathy can potentially do harm to the public. The registration of naturopaths remains unresolved due to fragmented representation under many professional associations, disunity among the profession, and objections by certain health care lobbyists. There is a dearth of research demonstrating efficacy of the whole practice of naturopathy in Australia, which has directed the government's decision to withdraw it from private health insurance coverage from 2019. Moving forward, the whole system research of naturopathy in Australia will be in focus with the recent establishment of a practice-based research network and an international research consortium. With increasing scrutiny from evidence-based medicine, the present and future challenge to Australian naturopaths is centered on the integration of both scientific and traditional evidence to form the foundation of a person-centered, evidence-informed practice.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.07.009 | DOI Listing |
J Integr Complement Med
January 2025
Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Naturopathic practitioners consult an estimated 6.2% of Australian adults, equating to 1,550,000 people receiving their care each year. Sleep is now recognized as a key pillar of health; however, nearly half of all Australian adults report inadequate sleep.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNutrients
November 2024
University of New South Wales Microbiome Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, St George & Sutherland Clinical Campuses, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia.
Endometriosis is a chronic, complex, systemic inflammatory condition that impacts approximately 190 million girls and women worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. The effective management of endometriosis requires a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach, one that includes surgical and medical management, such as a laparoscopy and a chronic medical management plan, as well as dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle adjunct interventions, such as pelvic pain physiotherapy and acupuncture. There is growing evidence to support the role of dietary and nutritional interventions in the adjunct management of endometriosis-related pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Integr Complement Med
December 2024
Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health Council, Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
J Integr Complement Med
November 2024
Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia.
The growing population of individuals with chronic pain presents a challenge to a globally overburdened health care workforce. Naturopaths are trained as primary health care providers who manage patients with chronic pain and, yet, are often overlooked in health care teams. This scoping review aims to identify barriers and facilitators affecting naturopathic inclusion into interprofessional health care teams managing patients with chronic pain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFReprod Biomed Online
June 2024
NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW Australia.
Research Question: Is conducting a randomized control trial (RCT) to assess the effectiveness of whole-system naturopathy in improving pregnancy rates among women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) feasible?
Design: A two-arm, parallel group, assessor-blinded feasibility RCT was conducted. Women with DOR, trying to conceive naturally or by ART, were randomly assigned to naturopathy plus usual care, or usual care alone for 16 weeks. Primary outcomes were feasibility (recruitment, adherence, retention rates), acceptability and safety.
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