The Six Guiding Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

The Healing Power of Nature. Vis Medicatrix Naturae

Naturopathic doctors respect the body’s innate ability to heal and offer therapies that work with and support these natural processes.

Identify and Treat the Cause. Tolle Causam.

A naturopathic doctor will work with a patient to treat the underlying cause of a disease rather than merely suppressing the symptoms that result. The goal is to remove the cause so the symptoms will not occur.

First Do No Harm. Primum non Nocere.

Naturopathic doctors follow an order of therapeutics that is the least invasive of the patient as possible, avoiding harmful side effects, force and suppression of symptoms whenever possible.

Doctor as Teacher. Docere.

Information empowers patients to take charge of their health. A naturopathic doctor will educate each patient about his or her particular complaint as well as offer general education about lifestyle and self-responsibility.

Treat the Whole Person.

Naturopathic doctors recognize that their patients are human beings and take into account their mental, emotional and spiritual health in addition to their physical health, genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Prevention.

Prevention is the best and most economical way to maintain health. Because of this, a naturopathic doctor will identify risk factors and suggest appropriate lifestyle and health screenings in order to reduce the chances of disease.

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