The state of the evidence for whole-system, multi-modality naturopathic medicine: A systematic scoping review

In this systematic scoping review, Myers & Vigar (2019) examine the available evidence on multi-modality naturopathic medicine (alternative medicines based on the theory that diseases can be treated by techniques such as control of diet, exercise, and massage). Firstly, a systematic search was carried out to find human research analyzing the effectiveness of naturopathic medicine where two or more naturopathic modalities are delivered by naturopathic clinicians. Case studies of five or more cases were included, and no language restrictions were imposed. The search produced 33 studies that met the inclusion criteria and came from all around the world (11 American; 4 Canadian; 6 German; 7 Indian; 3 Australian; 1 United Kingdom; and 1 Japanese). These studies mainly backed up the evidence for naturopathic medicine’s efficacy in the various chronic clinical conditions in which they were investigated. The currently available research in whole-system, multi-modality naturopathic medicine indicated that it is effective in treating cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal pain, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, depression, anxiety. [NPID: interdisciplinary effects, naturopathic medicine, massage, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal pain, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, depression, anxiety]

Year: 2019

Reference: Myers, S. P., & Vigar, V. (2019). The State of the Evidence for Whole-System, Multi-Modality Naturopathic Medicine: A Systematic Scoping Review. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 25(2), 141–168. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0340

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