The use of complexity science to investigate naturopathic philosophy and practice.

Project Member(s): Steel, A., Wardle, J.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Endeavour College of Natural Health
Endeavour College of Natural Health

Start year: 2019

Summary: The overarching aim of this project is to explore the practice and philosophy of naturopathy using the broad theoretical framework of systems theory, and more specifically complexity science and the concept of complex adaptive systems. Naturopathy has primarily been defined by its philosophy and principles. Its philosophies include holism which is broadly defined as an entity being greater than the sum of its parts, and vitalism which is the concept of a self organising principle that gives rise to life. Non-specificity, (which is inherent in holism) is the concept that assessment is based on pattern identification and that treatment involves creating global shifts within this pattern; a nonlinear approach to health management.

Publications:

Graham, KD, Steel, A & Wardle, J 2023, 'Making sense of complexity: A qualitative ‘Framework’ analysis of naturopathic case management and clinical reasoning', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, vol. 52, pp. 101773-101773.
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Graham, K, Steel, A & Wardle, J 2022, 'Primary health care case management through the lens of complexity: an exploratory study of naturopathic practice using complexity science principles', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, vol. 22.
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FOR Codes: Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, History and philosophy of specific fields, Classical physics, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Health, Other Cultural Understanding, Other culture and society

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.