What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Many people are interested in the natural approach to health care, but often don’t know where to begin or are unsure of the qualification of wholistic practitioners. Naturopathic medicine is a government approved medical profession dedicated to the treatment and prevention of illness using natural therapies. The following video provides a succinct explanation.
What are the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine?
The Healing Power of Nature.
(Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic Medicine works to restore and support the powerful and inherent healing ability of you body, mind and spirit. It also acts to prevent further disease from occurring. Naturopathic doctors identify and remove obstacles to recovery, facilitating and augmenting the ordered and intelligent healing ability that exists naturally in all of us.
Identify and Treat the Cause.
(Tolle Causam)
It is our primary goal to determine and treat the underlying causes of symptoms rather than simply managing or suppressing them as they appear. The underlying cause of symptoms may result from diet, lifestyle, emotional process, posture or environmental exposure or some combination of several of the above. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body’s natural attempt to heal rather than a nuisance to suppress.
Treat the Whole Person.
Each person is unique and requires individualized care. In treating the cause of any condition we take into account your physical symptoms as well as your mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual and other factors that interplay on your health. Disease affects the whole person, not just a specific organ or system. Therefore your nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, feelings, environmental stressors and physical health are all carefully evaluated and addressed.
Doctor as Teacher.
(Docere)
We will assist you in understanding the details of health, wellness and illness. We will provide you with an understanding of the factors that affect your health and help you balance and become more capable of maintaining your own health. Naturopathic doctors also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
