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.

FOR Codes: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, History and Philosophy of Specific Fields, Classical Physics, Health, Other Cultural Understanding