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Home  /  Integrative Cancer Care  /  Body  /  Integrative Cancer Medicine Systems  /  Naturopathy and Cancer

Naturopathy and Cancer

By Jeannine Walston


What is naturopathy?

Naturopathy focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases using a system of practice with physiological, psychological, or mechanical methods to restore and maintain optimal health through each person’s natural healing capacity. Naturopathic physicians may also use natural medicines, foods, herbs, or other remedies.

What is naturopathic oncology?

Naturopathic oncology applies the art and science of naturopathic medicine to cancer care and treatment. Naturopathic oncologists work in hospital oncology settings and private practices through their knowledge, perspective, and experience to seek the best positive outcomes for their patients.

What are the potential health benefits of naturopathy in cancer patients?

Specific naturopathic approaches to cancer vary based on the provider and health of each individual patient. Research studies evaluating different types of naturopathic treatments used by naturopathic physicians to support cancer patients indicate the following potential health benefits.

  • Decreases cancer side effects of conventional cancer treatments
  • Repairs and restore immune system functions
  • Improves quality of life
  • Improves cancer survival

What is the training to become a Doctor of Naturopathy?

Naturopathic medical education consists of the same basic sciences taught in conventional medical programs, a scientifically based understanding of health and disease, and naturopathic philosophy and treatments. Naturopathic education includes four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology and lifestyle counseling, drug-herb and drug-nutrient interactions and pharmacology, and requires supervised clinical training.

What is the history of naturopathy?

The term naturopathy was coined in 1892 to describe a rapidly growing system of natural therapeutics, originally organized in response to the increasing disillusionment of physicians and patients with the toxic and ineffective methods of medicine. The philosophy and the therapies, which have their origins in Hippocrates and the traditional and indigenous medicines of the world, first became a distinct profession in Germany in the mid-1800s. In 1896, Benedict Lust, MD brought naturopathy to America and established the first naturopathic college called the Yungborn Health Institute in New Jersey.

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