Similarities and differences between Naturology and Naturopathy formations under the rationales medical concept

Abstract

Medical rationality is an analytical concept that makes it possible to compare different therapeutical systems. Starting from this tool, it was intended in this study to identify and analyze the approaches and distancing, similarities and differences, between the formations of Naturology, in Brazil, and of Naturopathy, in Canada and the United States of America, from their Curricular Matrix (Pedagogical Project) of Bachelor Degree. It is a qualitative study, descriptive in its objectives, and documentary according to its means. Curricular Matrix of the educational institutions that offer Bachelor Degree in Naturology and Naturopathy were compared. The Curricular Matrix of six institutions were analyzed, being two Brazilians, two Americans and two Canadians, by means of Analysis of Thematic Content, from four given categories a priori: (1) Medical Doctrine; (2) Mor¬phology and Vital Dynamics; (3) Diagnostic System, and (4) Therapeutical System. The results of the study indicate more proximity, similarity, between Naturology, in Brazil, and Naturopathy in Canada and the United States of America, concerning Medical Doctrine. However, it was perceived differences between those institu¬tions in the categories of Morphology and Vital Dynamics, Diagnostic System and Therapeutical System. Cul¬tural factors and legal aspects in different countries contribute for this distancing. Therefore, it cannot be used as synonymous the Bachelor Degree of Naturology and Naturopathy in these countries, since, at the same time they approach while philosophy and conceptions of health, they are distant from each other while practical reach of performance and of intervention.