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About Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is founded on the belief that the body has an innate desire and ability to heal itself. Symptoms, or illnesses, arise first as a signal of some disruption in the normal, healthy functioning of the body. In naturopathic practice, we seek to support the body’s own healing power to restore health. Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which it is based. The following are the foundations of this medicine.
- The Healing Power of Nature (
Vis Medicatrix Naturae). Naturopathic medicine recognizes this self-healing ability as ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors seek to remove obstacles to cure, facilitate and support this healing process. - Identify and Treat the Cause. Identifying and removing the underlying cause of a disease is ultimately more healing than suppression of symptoms.
- First Do No Harm. Naturopathic medicine avoids harming a patient by using the gentlest interventions possible, minimizing risk of side effects, avoiding harmful suppression of symptoms and working with the body’s own healing process.
- Doctor as Teacher. Naturopathic doctors educate people about health and disease and encourage self-responsibility for the healing process.
- Treat the Whole Person. Each individual brings a unique combination of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, genetic and other factors which influence their health and must be considered in any treatment.
- Prevention. Assessing risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle habits will help support health first and prevent illness.