Exploring why individuals utilise naturopathic treatment and choose to combine naturopathy with biomedicine

Introduction

There has been a global increase in the utilisation of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM), including that of naturopathy. Limited New Zealand research exists that has examined why individuals use naturopathic treatment, and why in some cases, naturopathy is combined with biomedicine. The present study had two main aims: (1) To identify why individuals utilise naturopathic treatment, and (2) to identify why individuals choose to combine naturopathy with biomedicine in the management of chronic health conditions or ongoing symptoms.

Methods

Participants were 20 clients who attended a student naturopathy and herbal medicine teaching clinic in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants were individually interviewed. A structured interview schedule comprising of open-ended questions was used. Data was analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Five main themes were identified in relation to why individuals utilised naturopathic treatment and combined naturopathy with biomedicine in the management of their chronic health conditions or ongoing symptoms: (1) A holistic approach, (2) a new and different approach, (3) wanting to utilise natural remedies, (4) previous use of naturopathic treatment and/or other forms of TCIM, and (5) word-of-mouth: the role of family and friends in influencing the utilisation of naturopathic treatment.

Conclusions

There was an alignment between what participants desired to seek from naturopathic treatment and the philosophy and core naturopathic treatment principles: a holistic approach to health and healing and the utilisation of natural remedies. Participants combined naturopathic treatment with biomedicine, as it allowed for the use of natural and less invasive ways in treating and managing some of their symptoms. Integration of treatment modalities allowed individuals to retain some control over how their body was treated. Previous use of naturopathy and/or other forms of TCIM influenced current utilisation of naturopathy, either for the same condition or for new condition(s). Family and friends also had a salient role in influencing individuals to seek naturopathic treatment.