THE PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

The practice of naturopathic medicine is founded on six principles. Any therapy used will apply these principles. These distinguish naturopathic medicine from other medical approaches.

The Healing Power of Nature
Your body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain and restore health. The role of the physician is to facilitate and encourage this process.

Identify and Treat the Cause
Illness does not occur without cause. Symptoms are not the cause of disease but rather signs that there is an imbalance in the body. Naturopathic medicine addresses the underlying cause that leads to the symptoms.

First Do No Harm
The healing process is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic medicine is designed to support this process using the most gentle, noninvasive techniques possible.

Treat the Whole Person
Health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, involving a complex interaction of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental and social factors. All of these factors must be addressed to achieve harmonious functioning of body, mind and spirit.

The Physician as Teacher
A goal of naturopathic medicine is to encourage patients to take control of their health. This is done by educating and encouraging patients along their journey towards health. Ultimately it is the patient, not the doctor, who accomplishes healing.

Prevention
The ultimate goal of naturopathic medicine is prevention. This is accomplished through education and promotion of lifestyle habits that create good health. The emphasis is on building health rather than on fighting disease.