Yes, you do. You just don’t think of it as a ‘machine’ and maybe surprised to know that I am referring to the human body! In today’s post, I am going to compare the functioning of the human body to that of a device, with the aim of highlighting it’s tremendous power to self-correct or heal, when allowed to do so. This will help me illustrate the second principle of Naturopathic Medicine: Vis Medicatrix Naturae (Latin) or Stimulating the Healing Power of Nature.
Even our smartest devices are unable to repair themselves for smallest of problems. Whereas the human body has a tremendous capacity fro healing and full recovery, when given the adequate support and care. There are limitations of course and the extent recovery depends on several factors including, genetics, a person’s nutritional status, ability to follow self-care instructions and follow through with rehabilitation.
Naturopathic Doctors focus on removing any obstacles to full recovery such as improper diet, lack of sleep routine and lifestyle modifications and providing additional support with healing herbs and supplements. Symptomatic relief such as for pain in the case of injuries, is given equal importance and typically treated with homeopathic and herbal supplements that are more effective, not addictive and have less side-effects than OTC or prescription medications. Pain or symptom relief is particularly important from the perspective of supporting mental-emotional health that can contribute majorly to the healing power of the body.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, when I think about the healing power of the body, elaborate diagrams of immune cells, long lists of pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory cytokines and all the nutrients involved in the process that we studied in naturopathic medical school, flash across my mind all at the same time. Yet, for the human body, it is a simple, well-defined process.
My respect for this healing power increases daily as I realize that all of that "simple complexity" has not yet been duplicated in man-made devices even with seemingly rapid progress in the field of AI (Artificial Intelligence).
Leaving you with those thoughts, until tomorrow, Happy Day2 of #NatMedWeek2018!
