Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
The Healing Power of Nature
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) believe that the natural state of the body is to be healthy. The body and mind are always moving toward health and wellness via an innate power to heal and rebalance. As ND's we use safe and effective approaches to powerfully enhance and stimulate this inner capacity to heal.
Identify and Treat the Root Cause
NDs recognize and understand that symptoms will return unless the root cause of the illness or imbalance is addressed. Rather than suppress or cover up the symptoms (as is common with pharmaceuticals), NDs recognize that the root cause must be addressed. Identifying these deeper levels of causality and addressing them on that level brings the most profound and lasting healing.
First Do No Harm
NDs follow these 3 precepts to ensure that the people we work with are not harmed:
- We use low risk methods and medicinal substances which minimize the chance for any harm to be done. For example, our botanical, nutritional and homeopathic therapies are free of toxicity and do not have side effects.
- We avoid the suppression of symptoms. Symptoms are often the body’s attempt to heal itself and are an expression of it’s innate intelligence. If symptoms are suppressed there may be a risk for prolonging the disease and/or a worsening of health.
- We customize our therapies, respecting and acknowledging the individual’s needs rather than a one-size-fits-all kind of approach. Personalized therapy not only minimizes harm, but maximizes effectiveness.
Doctor As Teacher
NDs believe that doctors must be educators as well as physicians. We teach people how they can attain more vibrant health through adopting a more natural lifestyle, eating a healthy diet, exercising and regularly regenerating themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. We encourage self-responsibility and work closely with people to support each person holistically.
Treat the Whole Person
NDs recognize and honor the special individuality of each person and respond accordingly. As Naturopathic Doctors we recognize your unique physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, sexual and spiritual aspects, how they are interrelated, and how they affect your health and well-being. We look at the “whole” picture of you as a human being and not just in terms of separate parts or singular illnesses.
Prevention of Illness
NDs evaluate one’s risk factors, heredity, tendencies and vulnerability to disease. By embracing a health enhancing lifestyle and diet and using natural medicine when needed, a greater wellness is possible and you are less likely to develop future illness.
For more information about naturopathic medicine go to the American Association of Naturopathic Physician’s website at naturopathic.org