Why individuals studied naturopathy and what they hoped to contribute as naturopaths: A New Zealand study

IF 1.7 Q2 Medicine

Advances in integrative medicine Pub Date : 2025-03-15 DOI:10.1016/j.aimed.2025.03.005

Asmita Patel , Robyn Carruthers , Sandra D. Smith

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Abstract

Objectives

There has been a global increase in the utilisation of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine modalities, including that of naturopathy. Limited research exists that has explored why individuals want to study naturopathy. The present study was designed to identify and explore why individuals wanted to study naturopathy and what they hoped to contribute as practising naturopaths.

Methods

Participants were 15 graduates of a naturopathy degree completed in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants were individually interviewed. Interviews were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Five main themes were identified: (1) Personal interest in natural medicine, (2) initial interest in nutrition, (3) family influence, (4) own health reasons, and (5) cultural factors. One main theme was identified regarding what participants hoped to contribute as practising naturopaths, and that was to help and support people on their health journey.

Conclusions

A personal interest in natural medicine and its holistic approach to health and healing, including the role of nutrition was prominent in influencing individuals to enrol in a naturopathy degree. Childhood exposure to naturopathy, including having a relative working in the profession, as well as positive, efficacious experiences of naturopathic care for a chronic health condition were also influencing factors. Cultural factors influenced indigenous Māori to study naturopathy so they could support family members and other Māori who had chronic health conditions through naturopathic care. There was a strong desire to help and support future clients through the utilisation of naturopathic principles of practice that centred around client education, use of natural treatments and nutritional support.

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为什么个人学习自然疗法和他们希望作为自然疗法的贡献：新西兰的一项研究

在全球范围内，包括自然疗法在内的传统、补充和综合医学模式的应用有所增加。有限的研究已经探索了为什么个人想要学习自然疗法。本研究旨在确定和探讨为什么个人想要学习自然疗法，以及他们希望在实践自然疗法时做出什么贡献。方法研究对象为15名在新西兰奥克兰完成自然疗法学位的毕业生。参与者分别接受了采访。访谈采用归纳主题方法进行分析。结果确定了五个主要主题：(1)个人对天然药物的兴趣；(2)对营养学的初步兴趣；(3)家庭影响；(4)自身健康原因；(5)文化因素。与会者确定了一个主题，即希望通过自然疗法的实践为人们的健康之旅提供帮助和支持。结论个人对自然医学及其对健康和治疗的整体方法的兴趣，包括营养的作用，是影响个人报读自然疗法学位的重要因素。儿童时期接触自然疗法，包括有亲属从事该专业工作，以及对慢性健康状况进行积极、有效的自然疗法护理的经验，也是影响因素。文化因素影响土著Māori学习自然疗法，以便他们能够通过自然疗法护理支持家庭成员和其他Māori慢性病患者。建筑师强烈希望通过利用以客户教育为中心的自然疗法原则，使用自然疗法和营养支持来帮助和支持未来的客户。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Advances in integrative medicine INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE-

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

11.80%

发文量

审稿时长

15 weeks

期刊介绍： Advances in Integrative Medicine (AIMED) is an international peer-reviewed, evidence-based research and review journal that is multi-disciplinary within the fields of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. The journal focuses on rigorous quantitative and qualitative research including systematic reviews, clinical trials and surveys, whilst also welcoming medical hypotheses and clinically-relevant articles and case studies disclosing practical learning tools for the consulting practitioner. By promoting research and practice excellence in the field, and cross collaboration between relevant practitioner groups and associations, the journal aims to advance the practice of IM, identify areas for future research, and improve patient health outcomes. International networking is encouraged through clinical innovation, the establishment of best practice and by providing opportunities for cooperation between organisations and communities.