Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is guided by six principles:

1. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in people. Naturopathic physicians work to identify and remove the obstacles to healing and recovery allowing for the bodies inherent self-healing process.

2. Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam): The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying cause of illness rather than suppressing the symptoms.

3. First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:

• The utilization of methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects by using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat.
• Avoid the harmful suppression of symptoms.
• Acknowledge and respect the individuals’ self-healing process.

4. Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic physicians educate and encourage self-responsibility for their health. They also recognize and employ the potential of the doctor-patient relationship through a foundation of trust and respect.

5. Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic physicians treat each person as an individual, taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Spiritual health is also part of an individual’s health; therefore encouragement is given to develop their personal spirituality.

6. Prevention: Naturopathic physicians focus on prevention through assessing risk factors such as heredity and susceptibility to disease. Through collaboration with their patients, naturopaths then implement interventions to prevent illness.