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The interface between tradition and science: naturopaths' perspectives of modern practice
1School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Public Health Building, Herston, Queensland, Australia. amie.steel@uqconnect.edu.au
Summary
Naturopaths value traditional knowledge but question modern research, creating tension. They integrate both by using tradition to guide research and science to explain traditional practices.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Complementary and alternative medicine
- Naturopathic medicine
Background:
- Little is known about the integration of traditional knowledge and scientific research in naturopathic practice.
- International commentary exists, but empirical data on this interface is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interface between traditional knowledge and scientific research from the perspective of naturopaths.
- To understand how naturopaths navigate the use of traditional information and modern scientific evidence in their practice.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews with 12 practicing naturopaths.
- Purposive sampling used for participant selection.
- Thematic analysis applied to interview data for interpretation.
Main Results:
- Disparity in defining traditional information among practitioners.
- Traditional knowledge viewed as valid; modern research validity is questioned.
- Tension exists between traditional and scientific sources, with science sometimes seen as undermining tradition.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative findings reveal tensions and ambiguities in the tradition-science interface in naturopathic practice.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for naturopaths and external collaborators.
- The study highlights the complex relationship between established practices and empirical evidence in naturopathy.
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