What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that uses natural methods and substances to support and stimulate the body's inherent self-healing process.  It is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies and gentle techniques.  Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine are specialists in natural medicine and preventive health care, integrating scientific knowledge with traditional healing wisdom.  Six principles of healing form the foundation for naturopathic medical practice:

First Do No Harm - Respecting the inherent ability of the body to heal itself, the ND must be ever mindful of the consequences or side effects of treatment.  The more gentle and non-invasive the therapy, the less disruptive it will be to the patient's integral whole.

The Healing Power of Nature - The body has an inherent ability not only to heal itself and restore health but also to ward off disease.

Identify and Treat the Cause - The causes of illness originate on many levels but are often found in the patient's lifestyle, diet or emotional state.  When only the symptoms are treated, the underlying causes remain and the patient may develop a more serious, chronic condition.

Treat the Whole Person - Within the body, the different organ systems are intimately connected and dynamically balanced.  “Dis-ease” or imbalance in one part of the body's system directly affects other parts of that whole.  Naturopathic doctors treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors.

Prevention is the Best Cure - Naturopathic Doctors assess risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and use appropriate interventions to prevent illness.

Doctor as Teacher - From the Latin “docere” meaning “to teach”, one of the primary responsibilities of the Naturopathic Doctor is to educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health.