Naturopathy in the last centuries in Germany was based on traditional folk remedies which rely on 'Nature cures' like fasting, raw food diet, water therapy, poultices, herbal tinctures, etc. It is not a system of medicine. It is a "broad spectrum" descriptor in which practitioners are more likely to prescribe multiple treatment approaches like supplements, herbs and dietary adjustments. Naturopaths can mix a range of treatments including acupuncture and homeopathy.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine where classically trained homeopaths (or single remedy prescribers) use ONE remedy at a time to treat multiple conditions in a patient. Homeopaths view those multiple conditions as an expression of a disturbed life force (Prana, Chi) which is the "inner doctor" of the patient. Homeopaths directly address the life force through remedies that work on the energetic, immaterial plane. We want to help increase the patient's vitality by assisting their "inner doctor's" healing process.
For example:
A woman in her sixties came to see me because digestive problems: heartburn, her esophagus feels "raw and irritated".
Taste buds on the tongue feels inflamed. Everything tastes "funny". Everything makes her feel nauseated. She also still
has hot flashes "struggling with them since age 49". She keeps weeping during the visit saying how lonely and sad she feels.
She was put on anti-acid meds that did not help.
Mainstream medical system's treatment: Endoscopy. Stomach medication. Hormone therapy for hot flashes.
Anti-depressant for the weeping and sadness.
Naturopathic treatment: Dietary changes. Food Allergy testing. Digestive Enzymes supplement. Herbal formulas for
hot flashes. Herbal tincture for anxiety.
Treatment in classical homeopathy: One remedy is selected that matches this woman's overall picture and specific
individual symptoms. A remedy that matches the 'constitutional' make up of this woman will help to alleviate her physical
and emotional symptoms. She will experience an overall increased level of healthiness / vitality.
What is the difference between Over-the-Counter (OTC) "homeopathic" remedies we find in health food stores and the
remedies given by a classical homeopath?
OTC remedies are branded for certain conditions like flu, insomnia, coughs, etc. They are a combination of several
homeopathic remedies. It's like a shot gun approach. I prefer the ONE remedy approach which is like one arrow going for
the bull's eye.
Single versus multiple remedies and formulas?
Some practitioners use homeopathic formulas (made from several remedies) that are proprietary to treat certain conditions.
These formulas can contain remedies prepared in a low dilution, therefore there can be some concerns about toxicity.
Some practitioners give multiple homeopathic remedies at once to a person to treat different symptoms.
It has not been my practice to work this way. My preference is to prescribe one remedy at a time.
What is the difference between an herbalist and a homeopath?
"An herbalist is a person who practises healing by the use of herbs." [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]
Usually, herbs are prepared as tincture and given undiluted.
A homeopath uses homeopathic remedies. These remedies are processed through a high series of dilution called
potentisation.
The sources of homeopathic remedies are from the animal, mineral and plant kingdoms.