Naturopathc Medicine is a distinct health care profession that bridges the worlds of conventional and traditional medicines. It grew out of the eclectic healing systems of the 18th and 19th centuries and its philosophy was initially used by the Hippocratic School of Medicine more than 400 years ago. Today, Naturopathic Physicians integrate those same philosophical tenets with the findings of modern science to create a truly powerful system of medicine.
Naturopathy is based on the belief in the healing power of nature (“Vis Medicatrix Naturae”) and that the human body has an innate ability to heal itself if given the right conditions. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) complete a rigorous 4-year doctoral program in naturopathic medicine at one of several accredited naturopathic medical schools in the US and Canada.
NDs view the patient as a complex, interrelated system (a whole person), not as a clogged artery, tumor or rash. They’re medical detectives looking for the cause. Once found naturopathic physicians craft comprehensive and personalized treatment plans that blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches that address the underlying cause of disease and restore health and vitality.
Naturopathic Doctors base their practice on six timeless principles founded on medical tradition and scientific evidence.
Tenets of Naturopathic Medicine
1) First Do No Harm (heal without using harmful substances or procedures)
2) Use the Healing Power of Nature (ignite the body’s own powers of self-healing)
3) Find and Treat the Cause (identify and eliminate obstacles to health)
4) Treat the Whole Person (everything is connected. Strengthen and balance all systems and environments)
5) Teach Health (educate people about how to achieve and maintain vibrant health)
6) Practice prevention
