Naturopathy focuses on the causes of a disease rather than the symptoms and focuses on three main techniques of natural care: nutrition and dietetics, physical exercise and relaxation (simplified yoga or sophrology exercises). In addition, there are seven complementary techniques: phytology (medicinal plants) and aromatology (essential oils), massages, reflexology, magnetology (action of magnets), rays (colors, sun), gas (breathing exercises, ioniser, breath of fresh air), hydrology (spa treatments, drinks). These interventions aim to stimulate, help and strengthen the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms. In Europe, naturopathy is recognized as a medical practice in ten countries including Germany and Portugal. This is not yet the case officially in France. But it can complement medical treatment with a counseling approach: “We never question medical treatment. We intervene mainly for functional disorders, for example for problems of cholesterol, excess sugar, weight. But we can support people suffering from even serious illnesses with lifestyle advice. We thus have a role of health educator”, explains Thierry Folliard, naturopath. In case of uncorrected symptoms after a few sessions, a good naturopath will systematically invite the client to turn to a doctor.
