The practice of Naturopathic Medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease. It is these principles that distinguish the profession of naturopathic medicine from other medical approaches:
Vis Medicatrix Naturae – The Healing Power of NatureNaturopathic treatments work in harmony with the body’s healing power, to increase vitality and eliminate disease. The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the appropriate response of the life force. The physician's role is to facilitate and augment this process, to act to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery, and to support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.
Primum Non Nocere – First, Do No Harm
Illness is a purposeful process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors focus their work on supporting the healing process instead of suppressing the symptoms of disease. By using natural medicines, an ND can support the body's natural healing force without causing unnecessary damage or side-effects.
Tolle Causum – Treat the Cause
Illness does not occur without cause. Underlying causes of disease must be discovered and removed or treated before a person can recover completely from illness. Symptoms are expressions of the body's attempt to heal, but are not the cause of disease. The physician must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels, directing treatment at root causes. When the cause of an illness is addressed appropriately, the symptoms are addressed as well.
Tolle Totum - Treat the whole person
Health and disease are conditions of the whole organism. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person taking into account all the factors contributing to the person's health. The harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual is essential to recovery from and prevention of disease, and requires a personalized and comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Prevenir - Prevent disease
The ultimate goal of health care should be prevention. Naturopathic physicians assesses risk factors and susceptibility to disease and help their patients make appropriate interventions to avoid future problems. The emphasis of naturopathic medicine is on building health, rather than on fighting disease.
Docere - Physician as teacher
The most important role of an ND is to educate and encourage their patients to take responsibility for their own health. The physician is a catalyst for healthful change, empowering and motivating the patient to assume responsibility. Naturopathic physicians are well trained in both modern and traditional medicine; they are the best partners to have in the journey of healthy living.
The focus of naturopathic medicine is on treating the whole person and prevention of disease. Our physicians apply these principles through a variety of modalities tailored to suit each individual. By treating the whole person our doctors can sucessfully work with and treat chronic and difficult conditions.
