Naturopathic medicine is defined by its principles. Methods and modalities are selected and applied based on these principles in relation to the individual needs of each person.
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process. Naturopathic doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery and promote this self-healing process.
Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)
Naturopathic doctors seek to identify and remove the underlying cause to illness, rather than just eliminating or suppressing symptoms.
First Do No Harm (Primum Non-Nocere)
Naturopathic doctors utilize modalities which minimize the risk of harmful side effects and use the least force interventions.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Naturopathic doctors educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic doctors treat each patient individually, taking into account an individual’s physical, mental, emotional state as well as genetic, environmental and social factors.
Prevention
Naturopathic doctors emphasize the prevention of disease, assess risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and make interventions to prevent illness.
Wellness
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. It is a state of being healthy and is characterized by positive emotion, thought, and action.
