Naturopathists believe the body can be treated by a range of natural treatments in addition to drugs
MEDICINE is almost the solution to all problems; humanity, in general, has reached a point where dependency on drugs is huge. Even psychological illnesses can be cured with the odd pill here and there. But maybe relaxation and calm could help. There are other problems with medicines as well – how long will side effects last, what about the initial cause of the disease, why did this happen in the first place? Naturopathy is a form of treatment that does exactly this. Naturopaths do not simply treat the symptom; they search for the cause and treat that.
“Naturopathy is a system of medicine that uses natural substances to treat the patient and recognise that the patient’s mental, emotional and physical states must all be treated for a lasting effect,” explained naturopath Dr Sabine Schapals Papadopoulou. “Naturopathy is based on the belief that the body is self-healing,” she added. “Of course, there are serious diseases that cannot be healed through naturopathy, like cancer.” Having said that, this form of medicine could relieve cancer patients from chemo and radiotherapy-induced side effects. Those who suffer from cancer have faulty immune systems, however naturopaths believe that the mind can be ‘convinced’ to enhance the immune system and therefore improve health. “We have no such case in Cyprus but abroad it has been done before,” said Sabine, who feels she has to see to believe, “but naturopathy is a very strong treatment, therefore it could be possible.”
Unfortunately, we do always appreciate the simple things in life. “Especially in Cyprus, people tend to be very cautious about new types of medicine,” she said, “and that’s why these natural medicines cannot be found just anywhere.” But naturopathy isn’t new at all. “People have been doing this for ages.” Different methods can be used in naturopathy and Dr Sabine offers a range of treatments. “From these methods the patient and myself can choose the method most suited to their personal needs,” said Dr Sabine.
Herbal therapy, the use of medicinal plants, is one of the most common naturopathis treatments and has been used for centuries. Nutritional therapy is almost one of the most important and simple treatments offered and is, somewhat surprisingly, not one that is often thought about. “Since earlier times, the connection between nutrition, well-being and illness has been recognised,” Dr Sabine explained, “correct nutrition can prevent the development of certain illness. Renown thinker Moses Maimonides once said that no illness, which can be treated by diet should be treated by any other means.” As Dr Sabine also practices gynaecology, this method is extremely popular with women, who have slowly begun to realise that not everything can be solved with medication; there is some need to register nutrition.
Orthomolecular medicine, which is another method, is closely connected with nutritional medicine. “We use food supplements to preserve good health and change the concentration of substances that are normally present in the body,” explained Dr Sabine. Next up is acupuncture, which has gained a huge amount of respect in the treatment of pain today. “In China, doctors even practice acupuncture to operate without the use of anaesthetic,” said Dr Sabine, “and so, in naturopathy, the aim is to restore the balance of physical and emotional disorders.” Then there are the relaxation methods, which can help battle stress and tension. And last but not least, carbon dioxide therapy, which is used to obtain a higher concentration of oxygen, high energy and hormones.
So naturopathy could probably suit anyone with less serious problems. Menstrual disorders, infertility, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal problems, benign breast disease and urogynecological tract infections are among the complaints that would benefit from treatment with naturopathy as are smoking cessation, haemorrhoids, labour pains and sleep disturbances.
A Nicosia based doctor said: “When naturopathy was first introduced here in Cyprus, I was hesitant but in the end, I can say that it has proved to be better than normal medicine and treatments. We have better and more successful results.”
Herbal alternatives and natural ways for pain relief, in general, are safe and have no side effects. “There have always been people who believe that healing occurs naturally in the human body if it is given what it truly needs,” Dr Sabine said, “proper diet, pure water, fresh air, sunlight, exercise and rest.” Naturopaths see things from a different point of view and that’s why they claim to be holistic. “We see the person as a whole,” said Dr Sabine, “as mind, body and soul.”
l Dr. Sabine Schapals Papadopoulou, gynaecologist/obstetrician/naturopathy. Tel: 22 376630
