Naturopathic Physical Medicine: Theory And Practice For Manual Therapists And Naturopaths Paperback – 30 May 2008

I enjoyed this book a lot; as a Naturopath and Chiropractor I found things to learn and fine tune my work. Dense with useful information. Shows that Naturopaths have a lot to offer in the physical therapy field. Great!

In describing the naturopathic approach to physical medicine, this book paints one of the most complete pictures of manual medicine I have come across to date. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in how manual therapy can be applied beyond the limits of mere musculo-skeletal medicine. It is also an up to the minute outline of current thinking in the field of physical therapy, including a compelling account of the importance of an integrated approach to rehabilitation.Naturopathic Physical Medicine is an excellent introduction to naturopathic thinking for anyone involved in manual therapy and contains a detailed history of the use of manual methods in naturopathy, as well as an informative overview of the role of hydrotherapy in the naturopathic approach to health. Throughout the book, physical medicine approaches are discussed in the context of naturopathic considerations relating to the body's inherent tendency to self-regulation and adaptation. All of this is backed up with the kind of thorough, balanced, clinically-oriented account of relevant current research that has underpinned Leon Chaitow's success as an author in this field.The extensive overview of assessment and palpation skills, the comprehensive synopsis of manual modalities, methods, protocols and techniques, and the clear, simply described exercises make this an essential guide for any student of manual therapy. Even experienced practitioners will find a great deal in here that is new to them and the discussion of current research in areas such as palpatory reliability and risks associated with manipulation will be of interest to everyone in this field. The chapter on naturopathic approaches to general health and specific conditions provides illustrative examples of an integrated approach that will help practitioners to apply the theory and skills introduced in the rest of the book in clinical practice.All in all, this is an excellent resource for anyone involved in manual therapy. It provides a comprehensive curriculum for an integrated approach to manual medicine and a veritable goldmine of information about its theory and practice. It is also filled with references that will guide the reader in exploring what interests them in more depth. I have no doubt that I will be returning to it regularly for inspiration and information for years to come.

The editor's pretext for this exceptional textbook was inspired as the result of a lecture he presented in Alberta, Canada in 2005, on the Naturopathic approach to Breathing Disorders. He became aware of the absence of interest within Canadian naturopathy for what manual treatment offers in assisting the clinical management of this challenging and complex disorder.Clearly in attempting to remind the profession of its heritage, this book provides us with a valuable resource. It reminds us of the continual evolutionary nature of the subject material, and what drives it.The initial chapters defines how Naturopathic Physical Medicine (NPM) fits into the Naturopathic model of healthcare. Chaitow's work also anticipates its future application within developing orthodoxy. The content is broadly based, and its twelve chapters range across the developing history of NPM and its philosophical origins, to the methods and techniques used by the modern naturopath.Today what is called Green Ecology covers all matters relating to Planet Earth and the inter-relationships of all its inhabitants. The Naturopathic movement which began six generations ago in the early 20th Century, formed the roots of what is now Green Medicine.It is generally becoming accepted that growing and eating organic produce, reducing stress levels, getting regular amounts of exercise, reducing levels of both exogenous as well as endogenous toxic chemicals and having a healthy social interaction are the basis of good health. It could also be defined as the absence of Big Pharma with all the connotations of corporate mismanagement and exploitation of the Earth's naturalresources solely for the benefit of it's investors.The text proposes that the practice of modern NPM integrates both scientific knowledge in physical medicine with naturopathic principles, summed up as `vis medicatrix naturae' (translated as `the healing power of nature'). By combining the concept of vitalism which developed in the 19th century with modern scientific analysis, the contributors suggest a hybrid which can allow medicine to evolve into the next mellenium, a fusion of two models of the world.Throughout the book there is a common thread, namely that the core component of naturopathy is the appreciation of the body's innate ability to restore its own equilibrium throughout life. Also acknowledged within NPM is the dynamic process of structure and biomechanical function being interdependent. Biological individuality is proposed as the rule rather than the exception.Providing a holistic diagnosis which considers not only the various physical and mental factors which may be contributing to illness is implicit throughout the consultation. During treatment there is a primary intention to stimulate or empower the body's own self-regulation. The modern naturopath needs to act as an educator towards self-care and encourage their patient to work towards a preventative mindset.There are a number of innovations which this book uses to open up the subject material. One example is the contribution from experts given at the end of some chapters. Chapter Five considered Assessment and Palpation: Accuracy and Reliability Issues. These inclusions provide the spectrum of clinical views on this critical subject, indicating the variability of opinion which exists within the field.Each of its chapters consider specific healthcare issues and their response to the diverse collection of modalities which make up NMP, including yoga, hydrotherapy, massage, breathing retraining, and Alexander Technique amongst others. Those who have tended to focus their interest in herbal, nutritional, homeopathic and other elements of Green Medicine are reminded of the other elements of the naturopathic repertoire and its use within naturopathic medical care.It was a pleasure to review Chaitow's work. There is something in its pages to stimuate students or experienced practitioners alike, and as such deserves to be in every naturopaths library.Tags: and, app

This book has detail. Well structured. Good diagrams. It is obvious that Leon Chaitow has much hands on experience combined with scientific back- up. Like other works from Mr Chaitow he combines other peoples experience with his own to create a book you will always refer too. For any physical therapist this is a must!