What is Naturopathic Medicine?

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Naturopathic medicine is a centuries-old medical practice that incorporates both natural, non-toxic therapies plus current advances in the study of human health. Derived in part from a Hippocratic teaching more than 2000 years old: Vis Medicatrix Naturae – the human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. It is an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease.

The patient’s symptoms, in the view of naturopathic philosophy, are the result of the body attempting to heal. They provide a road map for the naturopathic doctor to understand the underlying disharmony that has caused the condition or illness. Treatments are often more involved and time consuming than conventional drug-based medicine. Our objective is not just to relieve a symptom but to achieve a healthier more enlivened person physically, mentally and emotionally.

Naturopathic doctors (ND’s) are physicians trained in natural therapeutics. We can order and interpret lab tests, perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illness using natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine employs proven therapies such as herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, nutrition, counseling, hydrotherapy, physical manipulation therapy, exercise, among others.

Naturopathic medicine is founded on six important principals, which guide all treatments performed by Naturopathic Physicians:
• First Do No Harm - The naturopathic physician shall endeavor first to do no harm; then to provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to their patients at all times.
• The Healing Power of Nature - The naturopathic physician shall recognize, respect and promote the healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being.
• Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect - Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body’s natural attempt to heal. The naturopathic physician shall strive to identify and remove the underlying cause of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.
• Treat the Whole Person - The naturopathic physician shall treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences.
• The Physician is a Teacher - The naturopathic physician shall educate his/her patients, inspire rational hope and encourage patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy, cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.
• Prevention is the best “cure” - The naturopathic physician shall emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent disease for the individual, each community and our world.

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