Foundation of Naturopathic Medicine
These principles form the foundation of the naturopathic approach to health and healing.
- Primum non nocere – First, Do No Harm – The practice of Naturopathic Medicine acknowledges a self-healing wisdom that is inherent in every individual. Naturopathic Doctors respect and work with the body’s self-healing wisdom using natural non-invasive therapies.
- Vis medicatrix naturæ – The Healing Power of Nature – It is the Earth and nature that sustains us, and we must remember that we are a part of nature. Mother Nature has given us many healing therapies – herbs, whole foods, sunshine, fresh air. Naturopathic Doctors use these therapies from nature, and other naturopathic therapies, to support and restore the powerful natural ability of the body to heal itself.
- Tolle causam – Identify and Treat the Cause – Symptoms are expressions of the body’s natural attempt to heal itself. In addition to healing acute and chronic symptoms, Naturopathic Doctors identify and remove obstacles to healing and the underlying causes of disease, supporting the body in healing and health.
- Docere – Doctor as Teacher – The word “Doctor” comes from the Latin, docere, which means “to teach”. A Naturopathic Doctor educates, empowers, and encourages patients to take responsibility for their health, and to understand their body and health.
- Tolle totum – Treat the Whole Person (Body, Mind, Spirit) through individualized treatment. Naturopathic Doctors acknowledge that illness and dis-ease affect each person individually. They also understand that physical, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental, and social factors contribute to the health of each individual.
- Preventare – Prevention and Health Promotion – Naturopathic Doctors teach the principles of healthy living. They emphasize prevention of illness and dis-ease by assessing risk factors, heredity, and susceptibility to disease. They promote wellness by encouraging everyone to seek naturopathic care even when healthy to ensure you’re on the road to optimal health.
Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help it in its works. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.
– Hippocrates
Father of Western Medicine