The 6 Principals of Naturopathic Medicine

All doctors follow a set a principals that guide how they practice medicine. These principals are taught and distinguished very early in the training of naturopathic doctors so that it becomes a core aspect of how they practice medicine. Below is a short description of the 6 principals of naturopathic medicine with links to more in depth versions.

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  • The Healing Power of Nature Vis Medicatrix Naturae:

The body has an inherent wisdom  to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors rely on this wisdom and use techniques to enhance it.  Learn more about the vis within.

  • Identify and Treat the Causes ToIle Causam:

Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause. As doctors it is easy to get distracted by symptoms. As patient's it is not uncommon to want something to treat your symptoms to get you out of pain, for instance. This does not always serve you longterm health interests, however. Learn more about treating the cause. 

  • First Do No Harm  Primum Non Nocere:
The duty of any doctor is to assess the health of their patient and treat by first not doing any harm. By utilizing the most natural, least invasive, and least toxic therapies naturopathic doctors can do that. Learn more about first do no harm.

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  • Doctor as Teacher Docere:
Doctor as teacher is the most basic and simple duty of a doctor. By educating patients in the steps to achieving health, maintaining health comes natural.

  • Treat the Whole Person Tolle Totum:
We all know that our health is more than just our physical components. By viewing the body as an integrated whole of physical, spiritual and mental naturopathic doctors make sure all dimensions are addressed.

  • Prevention
As Benjamin Franklin said, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." A naturopathic doctor will help you prevent disease by focusing on overall health and wellness improvement.
If you would like to explore treatment with a naturopathic doctor, click here.