PHILOSOPHY OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care - an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease.  Naturopathic medicine’s techniques include modern, traditional, scientific and empirical methods.  Its practice is based on 6 principles of healing:

· The Healing Power of Nature

"vis medicatrix naturae"

The body has the inherent ability not only to heal itself and restore health, but also ward off disease.

· Treat the Whole Person

The interaction between the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, spiritual, environmental and social condition of the individual is considered and therapy is directed at these complex factors.

· First Do No Harm

"primum no nocere"

Naturopathic physicians use the most non-invasive therapies and are ever mindful of the side effects of treatment.

· Identify and Treat the Cause

"tolle causu"

Causes of disease precede symptoms and often relate to the patient’s lifestyle, diet, habits, or stress.

· Prevention is the Best Cure

By incorporating Naturopathic medicine into ones lifestyle the potential for disease may be decreased

· Doctor As Teacher

"docere"

A physician is a facilitator for a patient’s healing process and always the educator.