Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is not just the use of natural therapies, it is the art and science of individualized health care, going beyond superficial symptoms and getting to the root cause of the illness or disease. Naturopathic Physicians (N.D.s) are primary care practitioners, trained as specialists in preventative medicine and natural therapeutics. We combine and individualize a wide variety of therapies based on a philosophy which acknowledges and encourages patients to be active participants in their own healthcare as well treat and deal with physical, psychological, emotional aspects and barriers.
The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice:
Naturopathic medicine is not just the use of natural therapies, it is the art and science of individualized health care, going beyond superficial symptoms and getting to the root cause of the illness or disease. Naturopathic Physicians (N.D.s) are primary care practitioners, trained as specialists in preventative medicine and natural therapeutics. We combine and individualize a wide variety of therapies based on a philosophy which acknowledges and encourages patients to be active participants in their own healthcare as well treat and deal with physical, psychological, emotional aspects and barriers.
The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice:
- First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
- Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;
- Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms; and
- Acknowledge, respect, and work with individuals’ self-healing process.
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural non-toxic therapies.
- Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam): The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, not just the effect. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.
- Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
- Physician as Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic physicians educate, empower, motivate and encourage their patients to take self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
- Prevention is the Best Cure: Naturopathic physicians are preventative medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors, heredity, and susceptibility and make appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.