Naturopathic doctors (ND’s) are primary care physicians
clinically trained in natural therapeutics.
ND's are trained in natural modalities
such as:
- acupuncture
- clinical nutrition
- counseling
- herbal medicine
- homeopathy
- hydrotherapy
- physical
manipulation
There are six principles that guide the therapeutic
methods of naturopathic medicine:
First Do No Harm (primum non nocere)
Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and
effective.
The Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrix naturae)
The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore
health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process
with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.
Discover and Treat the Cause,
Not Just the Effect (tolle
causam)
Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease.
Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural
attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or
treated so the patient can recover.
Treat the Whole Person (tolle totum)
The multiple factors in health and disease are considered
while treating the whole person. Physicians provide
flexible treatment programs to meet individual health
care needs.
The Physician is a Teacher (docere)
The physician's major role is to educate, empower, and
motivate patients to take responsibility for their own
health. Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with
the patient has a strong therapeutic value.
Prevention is the
Best "Cure"
Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians
assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately
to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished
through education and a lifestyle that supports health.