Traditional European Naturopathy (TEN) is characterized by the application of humoral medicine (Hippocrates and Galen) as its fundamental pillar. This centuries-old healing tradition is based on the principles of the four bodily humors and aims to create a harmonious balance for health. Humoral medicine encompasses various subfields, which together form a holistic approach to disease treatment.

 

Humoral Medicine as a foundation:

 

Basic Principles: Humoral medicine emphasizes the crucial importance of balancing the bodily humors – blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile. An imbalance in these humors is considered a trigger for diseases.

 

Diagnosis through Observation: Naturopaths use careful observation of symptoms and condition to recognize and specifically treat imbalances in the bodily humors.

 

Individualized Therapy Approaches: Treatment in humoral medicine aims to restore the balance of humors through herbal medicine, dietetics, drainage techniques, and massage techniques.

 

 

Therapeutic Methods:

 

Herbal Medicine: The use of specific plants and herbs plays a central role. These are selectively used to balance the bodily humors and promote healing.

 

Dietetics (Nutrition and Lifestyle): Dietetics encompasses nutrition and lifestyle to provide a holistic approach to promoting a balanced bodily state.

 

Drainage Techniques (Cupping, Baunscheidtism): Techniques such as cupping and Baunscheidtism are used to remove or expand harmful humors from the body to restore balance.

 

Massage Techniques: Massages not only serve for relaxation but are selectively used to improve energy flow and harmonize bodily humors.

 

 

Integration of Modern Insights:

 

Humoral medicine in Switzerland integrates modern scientific knowledge to combine traditional methods with contemporary health standards. Naturopaths not only learn historical principles but also develop skills to apply them meaningfully in today's healthcare.

 

 

Naturopathic Education in Switzerland - Harmonizing Classical Medicine and Humoral Medicine

 

Naturopathic education in Switzerland is characterized by a unique integration of classical medicine and humoral medicine. Trainees learn to understand clinical pictures of classical medicine and interpret them from the perspective of humoral medicine to develop a holistic approach to therapy.

 

Classical Medicine:

 

Comprehensive Knowledge: The training provides in-depth knowledge of classical medicine, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

 

Incorporation of Current Scientific Insights: Trainees are prepared to integrate current medical research and insights to create a solid foundation for their practice.

 

 

Integration of Humoral Medicine:

 

Translation of Clinical Pictures: Naturopaths learn to translate clinical pictures of classical medicine into the perspective of humoral medicine by applying the principles of bodily humors.

 

Holistic Approach: Therapy approaches are developed from the perspective of humoral medicine to address not only symptoms but also the underlying imbalances of bodily humors.

 

Adaptation of Therapy Concepts: Trainees are empowered to create individual therapy concepts that consider both classical and humoral medicine approaches.

 

 

 

Practical Applications:

 

Implementation in Practice: Naturopathic education emphasizes the practical application of acquired knowledge to prepare students for effective implementation in daily practice.

 

Promotion of Self-Healing Powers: Therapy approaches focus on activating the body's self-healing powers by restoring the balance of bodily humors.