Characteristics of naturopathic texts for the management of endometriosis over the last 200 years.
- Publisher:
- Atms
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, 2018, 24, (4), pp. 230-237
- Issue Date:
- 2018
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Naturopathic practice employs a variety of disciplines for the care of women experiencing menstrual disorders; however, there is limited research in this area that examines the traditional and contemporary sources that recommend such disciplines. Method: A content analysis approach was undertaken to assess the characteristics of texts and periodicals that reference naturopathic medicine for the management of endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia. Naturopathic texts and periodicals were assessed from naturopathic institutions in Australia, Canada, and the USA. Traditional texts and periodicals were identified through a search at the Friedhelm Kirchfeld Rare Book Collection at National University of Natural Medicine. Additional periodicals were identified from the National Library of Australia and State Library of South Australia. Contemporary texts were assessed from higher education institutions that provide naturopathic degree qualifications. Results: After assessment of all sources, 37 traditional texts, 47 contemporary texts, and 83 individual articles from periodicals were included. A vast majority of the naturopathic sources were from the USA, in comparison to those published in Australia and Canada. The primary disciplines recommended for endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia included: herbal medicine; nutritional medicine; dietary advice; and lifestyle advice. Less common disciplines were massage therapy, homeopathy, and hydrotherapy, while chemical-based medicines were rarely mentioned. Conclusion: The findings display a variety of naturopathic disciplines that have continued to be employed in naturopathic practice and curriculum, including herbal medicine. Knowledge mobilisation has the potential to robustly assess the level of traditional evidence in naturopathic practice, while contemporary evidence is more readily absorbed into practice. Assessing the level of traditional and contemporary evidence in clinical practice is important for understanding naturopathic care for women with menstrual disorders.
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