principles of naturopathic medicine
i. first do no harm // primum non nocere
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Utilize the least invasive and least toxic therapies
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Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms
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ii. the healing power of nature // vis medicatrix naturae
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Strengthen the innate ability of the body and mind to heal
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Utilize tools in and from nature to stimulate healing
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iii. identify and treat the cause // tolle causam
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Identify physical, mental, emotional and spiritual causes of disease
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Treat the cause rather than suppress the symptoms
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iv. treat the whole person // tolle totum
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Understand the interactions between mind, body, spirit, genetics, environment, etc.
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Implement a whole-person approach rather than a systems-based approach
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v. doctor as teacher // docere
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Empower others to live their highest purpose through shared knowledge and experience
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vi. prevention // praevenire
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Assess and reduce risk factors and individual susceptibilities
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Emphasize, when possible, the prevention of disease
about naturopathic medicine
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Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process using a combination of modalities from the wisdom of nature and advances of modern science. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained physicians who diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions while addressing the underlying dysfunction at the level of body, mind and spirit. NDs attend accredited 4-year graduate level programs where they receive training in biomedical sciences and natural therapies as well as rigorous clinical training. In order to become licensed to practice, NDs are required to pass two national licensing exams. The practice of naturopathic medicine is founded on the development of the therapeutic relationship and the role of the physician to empower the individual, who is the expert on their own experience, to access the key to vital health and wellbeing that is within. NDs have access to a broad range of therapeutic modalities, including botanical/herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, mind-body medicine, nature cure, physical medicine, and certain pharmaceutical medications.
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