Naturopathy

Information about the practice of naturopathy as it relates to psoriasis.

Naturopathy is, in short, the practice of “medicine” through procedures, supplements, herbs, and some other truly bizarre therapies in order to allow the body to heal itself. The idea is quite appealing, but as practiced it seems to be a license to “prescribe” absurd amounts of vitamins, minerals, homeopathic concoctions, diets, and just about any other alternative-type treatment a naturopath can think of (the “Ask Tom” link, below, offers a good example: his advice includes diets, “liver cleanses,” herbs, juice-fasts and adjustments to blood pH levels in what appears to be a rather haphazard manner).

“Bringing the body into balance” and “detoxifying” are two terms often heard from naturopaths, along with a handful of other buzzwords and catch-phrases. These ideas are typically definable only by using other, equally vague, terminology, leading to pleasant-sounding, though completely meaningless disease theories.

Having an “N.D.” after your name (Doctor of Naturopathy) is no guarantee of quality healthcare. Some schools offering N.D. programs are not accredited, and even those that are, are not accredited based on the validity of their theories, or of the information taught. NDs are indeed licensed to practice “drugless medicine” in some U.S. States, but from what I’ve read, I wouldn’t trust them to diagnose a head cold. Even Tom, of “Ask Tom,” seems to agree that “There are no ‘experts’ in Natural Healing.”

For a more detailed look into naturopathy, see Quackwatch.

Reviewed Treatments and Information

Ask Tom… Naturally!!

Prevention’s “Ask the Naturopath”

Unreviewed Treatments and Information

Ask a Naturopath (not the, but a)

Dr. David Cohen

LiveStrong.com

National Psoriasis Foundation

Natural Herbal Beauty

Wellsphere