Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that integrates traditional, natural therapies with modern medical diagnostic science and standards of care. It is defined in part by the philosophical principals that guide its practitioners and by the natural therapies it uses. Naturopathic physicians work to identify the cause of disease and remove the obstacles to cure. Individualized therapies are used to stimulate the body’s innate power to heal.
Naturopathic medicine follows six basic principles:
First Do No Harm
Naturopaths utilize methods and medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
The Healing Power of Nature
Naturopathic medicine recognizes the power of the body to heal itself, and works to restore and maintain the body’s inherent ability to heal.
Identify and Treat the Cause
Symptoms are an indication of an underlying imbalance within the body, and provide clues to the cause of that imbalance. Naturopathic doctors work to find the cause of disease and remove obstacles to cure.
Doctor as Teacher
Naturopaths educate patients to take an active role in creating and maintaining health through heightened awareness of the body's functions.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by considering the individual 's physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, and social factors.
Prevention
Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors and suggesting appropriate lifestyle interventions to prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative conditions.