Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is the medical science of nature and human function. It is a system of natural healing that sees the body as a whole and each person as an individual. Naturopathic Medicine integrates the latest discoveries in biochemistry, physiology and diagnostic advancements with the prescription of nutritional, herbal and homeopathic medicines and healing techniques that work in harmony with the body to stimulate and enhance the body’s dynamic healing mechanisms to cure disease and restore vibrant health.
The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
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First Do No Harm |
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Naturopathic physicians prefer natural, non-invasive treatments, which minimize the risks of harmful side effects. Prescription drugs are used rarely and only as a secondary measure for a short-term acute intervention when the body is too weak to respond, or while other safer more natural therapies take effect. |
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The Healing Power of Nature |
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Naturopathic physicians understand that it is nature that is the real healer – not doctors, drugs or surgery. Nature cures through the body’s inherent healing mechanisms. When supported it can maintain and restore phenomenal health. Naturopathic physicians seek to support and enhance these natural healing systems by using medicines and techniques that work in harmony with body and are free of harmful side-effects. |
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Find the Cause |
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Every illness has an underlying cause, often in aspects of the lifestyle, diet or habits of the individual. Naturopathic Physicians are trained to find and remove the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are expressions of the body's attempt to heal, they are not the cause of disease and therefore should not be suppressed by treatment. Underlying causes of disease must be discovered and treated before a person can recover completely from illness. |
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Treat the Whole Person |
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Health or disease comes from a complex interaction of physical, mental, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all of these factors into account. This is the essence of General practice – Family medicine. Naturopathic physicians can usually find the underlying cause of disease because they are trained to look at the whole person and the intricacies and interrelationships of every system of the whole person. |
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Doctor as Teacher |
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The word "doctor" means teacher. Naturopathic physicians believe this is true. They treat patients as equals, but recognize their responsibility to share their knowledge with their patients. A principle objective of naturopathic medicine is to teach the patient about the cause and cure of disease on all levels, emphasizing prevention and self-responsibility. Naturopathic Physicians recognize the great importance of the partnership of the doctor and patient in achieving optimal health. |
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