“Final Paper: Philosophy of Health & Healing (35%): This 500-word paper will foc

“Final Paper: Philosophy of Health & Healing (35%):
This 500-word paper will focus on your philosophy of health and healing in the context of supporting the psychological growth and well-being of your patients.
To write this paper, imagine you are publishing the content of a website or brochure for your intended patient population. Please answer the following questions:
– What are your central therapeutic goals for your patients?
– Briefly describe the central tenants/philosophies/principles that underlie your model (100 words maximum).
– What is your (the clinician’s) function and role in the healing process?
– Describe what the patient will experience under your care. What can they expect in this regard?
– How would you describe the relationship that will exist between you and your patients?
Keep in mind that this assignment is asking you to consider supporting the psychological growth and well-being of your patients.”
I have attached the Naturopathic Physician Oath to give you an idea of what these questions could pertain to.
– Listening is a big part of naturopathic medicine.
– As a physician, I don’t want to cover a patient’s symptoms, I want to get to the root cause, only then will we begin true healing.
Here are a few reflections on the material that we’ve covered that could help in answering these questions:
“Reading about the naturopathic treatment of acute disease made me reflect on how often symptoms are treated as problems to “fix” rather than as the body’s way of healing. I appreciate the idea of trusting and supporting the body instead of suppressing its processes. It affirms my own approach—I’ve eliminated reaching for quick fixes and instead focused on letting my body heal naturally by eating nutrient-dense foods and exercising whenever I can to counter my joint pain and muscle stiffness from lack of movement. This feels validating and excites me to keep learning how to improve those natural ways of helping my body heal.”
“The Therapeutic Order connects with why I chose to study naturopathic medicine. I love how it focuses on finding the root cause of issues and helping the body heal itself instead of just covering up symptoms. I find the gradual progression from least to most invasive interventions empowering, as it encourages sustainable, patient-centered care. Personally, I’ve experienced frustration with conventional medicine’s focus on symptom suppression. This framework gives me hope for a holistic, ethical approach to healing. It inspires me to cultivate trust in the body and its resilience.”
“Reading Spirit and Practice of the Wise Woman Tradition by Susun S. Weed evoked a deep appreciation for the holistic approach to healing. I resonate with the idea that health isn’t merely the absence of disease but a reflection of balance, community, and connection. In Spirituality in the Medical Encounter: The Grace of Presence, I see a strong parallel with my own goal as a future naturopathic doctor: to embody healing presence. This presence is as important as any treatment because it fosters trust and allows patients to feel seen and heard. I also found the insights in Traditional Healing Practices Among American Muslims thought-provoking. They reminded me of the importance of respecting cultural contexts in healthcare. In my experience, patients feel empowered when their beliefs are honored, and I hope to bring this inclusive approach into my future practice, especially given its transformative impact on wellness.”
“Reading Wood’s portrayal of Paracelsus’ ideas made me rethink how we view life and healing in medicine. I resonate with the concept of a “life energy” that goes beyond mere physicality; it feels like it connects to our essence. In my experiences with health care, I’ve often felt like the focus was only on symptoms and isolated parts rather than on my overall well-being. This makes me wonder: if we embraced the idea of an animating life force, would it change how we listen to and understand our patients? I feel inspired to explore ways of treating that honor both body and spirit, which might deepen the healing process.”
“Reading Lindlahr’s Nature Cure sparked several reflections for me as a naturopathic medical student. His perspective on the body’s innate healing ability resonates deeply, as it aligns with why I chose this path—to empower the body’s natural processes rather than override them with external interventions. His criticism of symptom suppression versus supporting elimination reinforces how essential it is to treat the root causes, not just the symptoms. I find his ideas on inflammation particularly compelling, seeing it not as an enemy but as a critical part of healing. However, I wonder how we can integrate these philosophies with modern science without falling into the trap of rejecting valuable advances. I also appreciate the emphasis on lifestyle changes, reminding me of the power we have over our own health.”
“Reading Myers’ Legitimacy of Traditional Medicine made me reflect on the complexities of integrating traditional and modern healthcare. Respecting cultural practices while ensuring evidence-based approaches can enhance patient care. My experiences have shown me that patients often feel more empowered when their traditions are acknowledged alongside conventional treatments.
Reading Hamby’s work on African-American herbal medicine deeply resonated with me, highlighting the significance of cultural heritage in healing practices. I appreciate how traditional knowledge has been preserved and adapted despite historical challenges. I believe it’s essential to recognize and integrate these practices into modern healthcare, as they offer valuable insights into holistic approaches that can enhance patient care and foster trust within diverse communities.”
“After reading Nature Doctors by Kirchfield and Boyle, I felt a strong connection to the origins of naturopathic medicine and how early practitioners embraced nature’s healing potential. Their holistic viewpoint aligns with my conviction that restoring balance is more important for good health than merely curing symptoms. Reading about Dr. John Bastyr’s legacy inspired me to appreciate the balance of nature and science in holistic healing. Bastyr University’s commitment to this integration resonates with my belief in the power of natural medicine.
I was struck by how Nicole Redvers beautifully integrates Indigenous wisdom with modern science in The Science of the Sacred. Her appeal to integrate evidence-based approaches with spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being is consistent with my developing conviction that respecting traditional wisdom in addition to scientific progress is necessary for genuine healing. The idea of reintroducing ancient knowledge into our healthcare system raises questions about how much we’ve lost by doing so.”