naturopathy institute

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.

The following are the six principles that form the foundation of naturopathic medicine:

First, Do No Harm (Primum non nocere)

Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle causam)

Doctor as Teacher (Docere)

Treat the Whole Person (Tolle totum)

Prevention (Praevenicare)

Founding Principles Naturopathic medicine is based on two founding principles: Vitalism—a belief in an animating life force Vis medicatrix naturae—the healing power of nature These beliefs translate into practices that focus on identifying barriers to good health using natural therapies to support healing.

THE SIX PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine are the foundation for the practice of naturopathic doctors (NDs). These principles guide the treatment plan for each patient and offer a framework that makes naturopathic medicine unique from other forms of medicine.

Naturopathic medicine is guided by six core principles:

First, Do No Harm

Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat; avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms.

Identify and Treat the Causes

Look beyond the symptoms to determine the underlying cause of illness.

Doctor as Teacher

Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health. Focus on preventive medicine.

Treat the Whole Person

View your body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions, rather than focusing solely on symptomatic relief through isolated organ or drug therapies. Support your inherent self-healing mechanisms.

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

“Vis Medicatrix Naturae,” the healing power of nature, is the inherent self-organizing and self-healing process in humans that governs all bodily functions. It is the vital force within each one of us that allows us to heal. The body has a remarkable innate ability to heal itself from both physical and emotional injuries. This ability is ordered and intelligent.

Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)

The philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine is to identify and treat the causes (tolle causam) of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms. Removing obstacles to cure and addressing the underlying cause of disease helps prevent its recurrence.

Naturopathic doctors are primary health care professionals that focus on treating the underlying cause of disease as opposed to just treating symptoms. They partner with their patients to address a wide range of chronic conditions as well as support health and wellness through all stages of life. Naturopathic doctors utilize clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling and other natural therapies such as acupuncture in order to help restore good health. The goal is always prevention first, but when necessary they also offer effective treatments for many common acute health problems including colds/flu’s, earaches, headaches and minor sports injuries.

First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)

We’ve all been there: sick. Very sick. Diagnosed, prescribed medicines, and treatments introduced with precision and confidence by medical professionals. But as we’re about to discover, doctors are often missing the mark when it comes to treating our bodies. Of course, in cases of serious illness or injury, this is exactly what we should expect from a health care provider. However, for minor ailments like headache, back pain, insect bites or skin irritation—in short cases that don’t require immediate attention—it’s up to us to take matters into our own hands and treat ourselves effectively at home if we can.

What makes naturopathy so effective is its focus on healing through the least amount of force necessary. This means avoiding the harmful suppression of symptoms (like prescription drugs) in favor of minimally invasive procedures like taking herbs or supplements for relaxation or sleep-inducing practices like massage therapy or Osteopathic Manipulation (Om). It’s also crucial to seek out alternative treatments that use less force overall than medications may do when other more effective options exist (such as acupuncture).

So what are we waiting for? Let’s treat ourselves!

Doctor as Teacher (Docere)

• The doctor’s primary role is to educate patients, supporting them as they take responsibility for their health.
• The doctor-patient relationship is founded on trust and cooperation.
• The doctor should be a catalyst for the patient’s own healing process.

Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)

Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)

We are all unique individuals, made up of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. As part of holistic health care, naturopathic medicine is based on treating the whole person. Naturopathic physicians are trained to design individualized treatment plans that address the underlying cause of disease and restore optimal health using natural therapies. We also support you in identifying and removing barriers to good health via counseling on diet, lifestyle changes and healthy choices

Prevention (Praevenicetur)

From a naturopathic perspective, prevention is defined as the body’s ability to heal itself. As a naturopathic doctor, my aim is to prevent disease by identifying and removing obstacles that inhibit this process. Naturopathic medicine can play an important role in preventing illness, whether it be lifestyle changes or diagnostic testing. Below are some examples of things you could do to prevent illness or disease:

• Blood work – checking for markers of future health problems
• Lifestyle changes – diet/exercise/stress management
• Herbal/nutritional supplements – echinacea at the onset of a cold
• Homeopathic remedies – Arnica montana after an injury

naturopathy institute

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.

The naturopathic physician addresses underlying causes instead of symptoms for long-term outcomes rather than short-term relief. Naturopathic physicians blend the art and science of medicine to help patients achieve optimal health by identifying and removing barriers to healing while supporting their inherent ability to heal themselves.