Health

Latest Edit: Iva Lloyd, ND 2014-03-12 (EDT)

Health is more than just the absence of disease; it is a vital dynamic state which enables a person to adapt to, and thrive in a wide range of environments. Iva Lloyd, ND

See Also	Naturopathic Theories and Practice

The natural or desirable state of existence is health. A person's view of health and disease changes as they mature and age and as result of their experiences. People are affected by culture, religion, economics, race, class, gender, and other social, external, environmental and biological factors. Health is an attitude, and the desirability of the outcome depends on one's beliefs, expectations, and upbringing. For some health means the absence of signs or symptoms; for others it represents an awakening on a psychological or spiritual level. For others health is the absence of any symptoms that impact daily life; with the tolerance for symptoms varying greatly.

Lindlahr described health as the "normal and harmonious vibration of the elements and forces composing the human entity on the physical, mental and moral planes of being, in conformity with the constructive principle in nature applied to individual life." The body aim is to maintain homeostasis. It continuously responds to, compensates for, and balances the many factors that influence health. There are periods of development, growth and maturation as the body continually replaces, heals, and nourishes every aspect of itself. There is continual change and movement. Throughout all of this, the aim is to maintain health.

The naturopathic definition of health and ill-health (or disease) is based on the concepts of vitalism and holism. It recognizes the uniqueness of each person and the logic of health and disease. It understands that there are essential building blocks to health and that each person is an individual. The naturopathic physician's role is to listen to each person and guide them back to health, with the recognition that true healing is an inherent ability and right.