What is Natural Medicine

Natural medicine often also referred as alternative medicine or naturopathic medicine is an unconventional treatment of health problems, disorders and illnesses with natural substances such as herbs and foods instead of synthetic drugs. Natural medicine is also characterized by holistic approach to the patient, a treatment of the patient as a whole person including his/her mental characteristics, way of living and his/her living environment. However, one of the main features of natural medicine is also great emphasis on preventive by encouraging healthy nutrition and healthy way of living.

Natural medicine can not fully replace the conventional medicine, however, it turned out very successful in treatment of many predominantly minor health problems, disorders and illnesses. The treatment methods and therapies in natural medicine are very different and vary from natural medicine practitioner to natural medicine practitioner, however, most frequently used treatment methods and therapies are acupuncture, shiatsu massage, acupressure, botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, meditation, yoga and aroma therapy.

It is important to mention that conventional medicine is very skeptical about some natural medicine approaches and methods, and sometimes even warn against certain natural medicine approaches and methods. However, certain natural medicine theories, approaches and methods such as holistic approach, nutrition and massage therapy have been recognized and adopted by conventional medicine and sometimes also practiced by conventional practitioners. Besides that many natural medicine treatments have been also scientifically researched and proved effective, while numerous synthetic drugs are made on basis of herbs. However, since methods of natural medicine practitioners greatly vary and may base on unreliable or controversial approaches is very important to be careful if and when deciding for natural medicine.