Ecological Perspectives on Allopathic and Naturopathic Medicine

Human control over nature is characteristic of all Western Thought, including allopathic medicine. Since Descartes, matter has been considered separate from the spirit and the physical body, as part of matter, must be controlled for its own good. A physician is taught a "stewardship" view of the body that parallels society’s "stewardship" view of nature. It is well-intentioned, yet based on an attitude of control and domination. This is not to say that Biomedicine does not have its place. Rather, as we re-evaluate our relationship to the environment, we must necessarily re-evaluate our health care. "The ancient formula of one ill, one pill, one bill, which seems to have been the credo of physicians for many generations should be abandoned...Disease cannot be understood without an ecological study in depth [that includes] the environment, the host, and the culture". Naturopathic medicine provides an alternative philosophy to Biomedicine that embodies environmental principles. These ecological tenets include finding deeper solutions than a technological fix, valuing diversity, accepting human limitations, trusting the Healing Power of Nature, and considering the ecosystem as a whole.