Christian Faith & Complementary Medicine
In Peter's first letter we are encouraged to be ready always to give an answer to everyone that asks us a reason for the hope that is in us. And so it is I come with an answer of the hope that is within me.
I am passionate about Jesus Christ. I am strong in the faith, spirit filled and committed to my Lord and my God. Most people (especially Christians) find the fact that I am a Naturopath who believes so strongly in my faith a bit unusual at first. Over the years I have had several well-meaning brothers and sisters in the Lord question me concerning my involvement. Most have walked away satisfied, some still wonder. It makes perfect sense to me, however, as I am witness to the miracle of God's work everyday - God and His creation are inseparable. From the beginning of the world nature has cried out to us of the majesty, might and existence of the creator. Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made. When we work with nature, nature rewards us with healing.
George Washington Carver said:
"I think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks to us every hour if we will only tune in."
When we tune in to Nature, we find some amazing things which if followed through to their logical conclusion... lead us to the truth of the matter. It is my utmost belief that complementary medicine or natural medicine is still the way to health and wellness. So, when I am talking about complementary or natural medicine, what do I mean?
A naturopath is a person who has studied in several areas of Natural Medicine and probably specialises in at least two.
Natural medicine may be broken into 4 general divisions:
a) Nutritional
b) Structural
c) Phytochemical
d) Vibrational
So I practice in all of the above with main emphasis on nutritional and herbal forms. I use a specialised powerful body balancing technique called Bowtech. As well as Homoeopathic prescriptions depending on the case. I also employ electro therapy devices for pain relief and speed healing of skin conditions etc.
Naturopathy simply means let nature cure nature. That is, I work with nature, in support of life to promote a cure. I do not cure. Neither do I heal. I facilitate healing. God is the ultimate healer. All healing comes from him.
Though you are unaware of it, your own healing power is quietly at work within you at all times, repairing cells, carrying wastes, nourishing tissues and healing wounds. There are trillions of complex biochemical processes occurring every second inside our body. There are balances and checks constantly operating to ensure everything runs efficiently, smoothly and without recourse to dis-ease. Balance is the key word, and in Natural Medicine we strive to work with the body in as gentle a way as possible to restore balance in the whole organism.
We make use of the more natural methods such as herbs and vitamins/minerals, light, water and non-toxic substances. N.M employs various types of therapies to encourage healing in the individuals. You would be aware of the most popular forms. Certainly there are a huge number, most of which are based on the traditional medicine of a particular culture. For thousands of years we have successfully employed herbs in particular (but also various other therapies) in order to promote health. So called modern medicine is based upon the western use of herbs.
A herb is natural. And unless it happens to be toxic, it is treated as a food by the body and used to provide nourishment by particular tissues. A famous Greek physician said "Let food be your medicine and medicine your food."
God said to Adam and Eve to use every herb and every tree bearing seed as their food. God said of his creation that is was good.
a) I believe we are called to be good stewards to look after our bodies and maintain health using natural gentle, non-invasive methods.
"For the duration of this life, we are given only one body and we know our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (1 Cor 6:19) and that it should therefore be treated with the utmost reverence and respect. We should exercise good stewardship of this body which God has entrusted to us by protecting it whenever possible from abuse or damage. The world obviously agrees with us on this respect as we have seen an increase in fitness/diet programs. It's "IN" to work out at the gym.
There are so many effective alternative methods of medicines that are gentle and non invasive, that do not carry any risk of side effects and undesirable complications. I'm here talking of the inherent differences between natural medicine and western style orthodox medicine or allopathic medicine. Orthodox medicine employs various powerful methods to alleviate human suffering. These methods are not without risk and unwanted side effects. It makes sense as a good steward to use that which works with life and is non toxic.
b) 1 Tim 4:1-5 God made it quite clear to Paul and Peter that the old rules were gone and grace was now operating. We know the hassles the early church had in welcoming so call heathen peoples. But God says his creation - every creature, everything is good and Paul affirms the inherent goodness of God's creation. (1 Cor 10:23-32 READ IT) Particularly vs 26. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof...
c) I believe that Christians are exhorted to enjoy the whole of God's creation with gratefulness and thanksgiving and reject none of it. This surely must include systems of medicine which have been intact and successful for millennia at curing the ills of humanity. Paul is clear that there is nothing intrinsically wrong with any aspect of God's creation.
d) What does the spirit say - peace. John 15:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.
e) Conscience sake. Romans 14. 1 Cor 10:23-32. We have to follow our conscience. If a particular therapy became associate in a Christian's mind with something evil, then it would be wrong for that Christian to use it.
I cannot begrudge anyone who for conscience sake is not comfortable with using certain aspects of complementary medicine. This may be because that person is operating from ignorance or fear borne of misinformation and prejudice. When such a mind set is keeping a person from using Natural Medicine though it may even be God's divine purpose for them to look outside the square and see and use all God has ordained, then I can only feel sadness and loss as I feel when a soul rejects Christ.
f) Divination, channeling, mediumship. Deut 18:11 Scripture is quite clear on God's people keeping clear of any spirit guidance outside the Holy Spirit. Eg channeling, mediumship, mysticism.
I have clearly defined my place as a naturopath and how it fits into my world view. My prayer for you is that you are now more informed and more comfortable with Natural Medicine. However, I do not profess to know it all. My ignorance is still paramount.
As Charles Spurgeon wrote: The doorstep to wisdom is knowledge of our own ignorance.
Copyright 2002 Bettalife4u