When you are dealing with an illness, your first action might be to call up a doctor in your area and make an appointment. This is certainly not a wrong move; doctors are, after all, professionals who are trained to treat medical problems. However, the next time you are in this situation, you might want to pay closer attention to which doctor you call and the modalities of treatment they rely on. Specifically, look for someone who focuses on natural medicine — they may refer to themselves as a naturopath. Here are a few reasons why you should see a practitioner who takes this route.

1. They aim to treat the source of the problem.

Typical medicine usually seeks to alleviate symptoms. For example, if you go to the doctor for headaches, they will often prescribe a medication that stops you from getting headaches. A natural medicine doctor, on the other hand, will examine your overall health and lifestyle to figure out why you're getting headaches. They will then address the cause of the headaches. This is usually more successful in the long run and may help address some other health issues that are related to the same underlying cause.

2. Natural cures are often safer.

Have you ever read the list of potential side effects on a prescription medication? It's scary! Some of those side effects are probably worse than the problem you're currently dealing with! Natural cures are generally safer. Sometimes your naturopath may not even have you take anything at all, not even an herbal remedy. They may be able to recommend some simple lifestyle changes that deal with your problems in a very safe, direct manner.

3. Naturopaths listen to their patients.

Are you tired of going to see the doctor and being treated like a number? You see the physician for about 10 minutes, and they focus on your symptoms, not on you. Since natural health practitioners focus so much on lifestyle and underlying causes, they have to get to know you as a person in order to treat you effectively. You'll get more of a chance to share your story, actually interact with the doctor, and work collaboratively with your doctor to seek relief. This can feel very empowering.

If you have a chance to see a naturopath the next time you're dealing with a medical problem, definitely do so. This route is safer and often more effective in the long-term.

For more information, contact a resource like Arcana Empothecary.

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