The ancient times witnessed the diversity of health care methods in various cultures. The Chinese have their acupuncture and Chi Gong; the Indians had their Ayurveda and Yoga; and the West developed their own medicine based on technology and psychology.

But because Eastern medical practices were believed to be outdated, the Western practice prevailed in many countries. When civilizations progressed and people got educated, Western medicine’s mistakes were revealed – people found out the longer life expectancy is not only achieved by medical care but also through better hygiene, food, and lifestyle.

The Intercultural Open University in the Netherlands promotes the research and practice of so-called alternative medical approaches. A new paradigm shift made it clear that there is the possibility of another medical approach: Naturopathic Medicine.

Naturopathy is a distinct system of health care – an art, science, philosophy, and practice of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illnesses. It is distinguished by principles based on observation of the nature of health and disease treatment through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the person’s inherent healing capacity.

Methods of healing therefore, are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force, which are in the cultural traditions of China, India, and Greece.

Nature Cure is touted as the best holistic approach addressing the mind, body, emotions, and spirit. In  scientific parlance, it is called naturopathy or naturopathic medicine – non-invasive or surgical. The use of herbs, meditation, visualization, and other natural form of healing modalities, energy healing, body manipulations and natural food supplementation have proven to be efficacious and safe.  Here are some of the notable figures in the world of alternative medicine.

Dr. Roberto Quizon, an eminent doctor has been practicing surgery for 30 years, has operated on more than 10,000 patients. But afterwards, he was like Saul (now St. Paul) who was stricken with light and suddenly realized the need to practice naturopathic medicine.

At age 85, he is still practicing acupuncture and has combined both natural and conventional therapies. He has a proven track record for treating 50 patients suffering from appendicitis, cancers (from breast to prostate and myomas) using naturopathic approaches. His dream and passion are to share with the scientific community his successes using non-invasive treatments.

Dr. Edna Lao practices both the conventional and integrative medicine. She has exhibited a high success rate for treating cancer the holistic way. Many doctors seem to follow her footsteps so we can see the proliferation of wellness clinics and centers. One of them is the Bio Safe Center which uses state-of-the-art technology from Russia using laser therapy for stroke patients, quantum wave machines, music therapy, ARDK and Tibetan healing administered by licensed physicians.

Dr. Doris Chen, who holds a doctorate degree in Oriental Medicine in Taiwan, strongly believes in addressing the mind, body, emotions and spirit.

Prof. Jo Bilasano, DSc (AM) has successfully woven together the HIYANG philosophy of Filipino healing arts such as hilot wellness using banana leaf, ventosa, naturopathic health technologies like beam ray, bio zapper, integrated with DORN method and meridian point therapy. Her success even reached Russia where she performs natural healing.

But the most intriguing personality who holds two doctoral degrees, Phd and MD, (Alternative Medicine) from the International Open University for Complementary Medicine based in Colombo, Sri Lanka is Dr. Elizabeth Oropesa-Freeman, a grandslam best actress who performs acupuncture, bowen therapy, and spiritual healing has cured patients suffering from terminal cancer in Australia, China, and the US. To pursue her passion for healing, she is presently constructing her Healing Resort in Donsol, Sorsogon.

These are just a few of the naturopaths who have flourished in the country today and their tribe is increasing.

(Dr. Joseph de Ubaldo is the FRINM National Chancellor and Vice President for East Asia, International Association of Educators for World Peace, UN-NGO.  For free health and wellness seminars, call 415-8714 or 0917-8196999.)