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The Czech word "naprapravit" (to correct) and
the Greek word "pathos" (suffering) combine to
form the word Naprapathy. The Naprapathic treatment method
"corrects suffering" through manual manipulation
of inelastic connective tissue which may be irritating the
nervous system and causing pain. Dr. Oakley Smith, the first
Naprapath, founded the science of Naprapathy in 1907 after
devising a systematic treatment method of evaluating and
healing damaged connective tissues. He discovered that structural
imbalances (often situated in the spine) were sources of
pain that can build slowly and spread throughout the body.
The cause of such imbalances, which deplete the suppleness
of connective tissue, include poor posture, trauma and general
wear. Naprapathy teaches that, over time, the resulting
stiffness can produce pinched nerves. These trigger or contribute
to chronic conditions like arthritis, migraine headache,
carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, herniated disc, bursitis, tendonitis,
fibromyalgia, sciatica, chronic back pain, joint pain, shoulder
pain and stress related pain in humans. In Naprapathy, treatment
begins with a medical case history and a spinal examination
to identify the precise location of pain.
Naprapathic therapy
includes manual manipulations designed to stretch specific
connective tissues, improve structural alignment, promote
balance and provide pain relief. Treatment may also include
ultrasound, electrical, heat, and cold pain relief treatment
methods. Animals would respond well to Naprapathy. Naprapathy's
philosophy of restoring the body's natural balance extends
to posture counseling and correcting dietary deficiencies.
In the later case, a Naprapath will provide nutritional
counseling.
Benefits/Contraindications
Animals treated
with naprapathy have shown extremely good recovery rates.
Same contraindications apply with massage and chiropractic.
Training/Certification
Currently, the
practice of Naprapathy is licensed in Illinois and New Mexico.
A Doctor of Naprapathy carries the designation D.N. Many
Naprapaths are found in the Midwest, because the four-year
Chicago National School of Naprapathy is located there.
To be credentialed, Naprapaths must complete a minimum of
six years of higher education.
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