Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are clinically trained in natural therapeutics and subscribe to a philosophy of
Vis medicatrix naturae---nature is the healer of all diseases. Their training is a unique marriage between cutting edge science based medicine and age old healing modalities. Naturopathic physicians are trained in conventional diagnoses and treatment of disease, yet believe the path to wellness lies first in identifying the underlying physiological imbalances causing sickness and ill-health. When the cause is identified the whole person is treated by adjusting environmental factors such as eating patterns, exercise habits, psychological stressors, and lifestyle choices blocking the way to health. When obstacles to wellness are removed natural therapies are employed to heal, bolster, and prevent sickness. The ultimate goal of the Naturopath is to promote wellness and optimal health and not just remove symptoms. They choose treatments based on the individual, not based on the symptoms the patient has. This approach has proven successful in treating both chronic and acute conditions.
First Do No Harm - primum non nocere
Naturopathic doctors always use interventions having the least potential to harm a patient and strive to choose only treatments where the benefits of treatment always outweigh the risks of the intervenion
The Healing Power of Nature - vis medicatrix naturae
This principle more than any other distinguishes a naturopath from a conventionally trained doctor or MD. In India they call it prana, in Asia Qi, naturopathic doctors call it the Vis or vital force. The naturopathic doctor maintains that nature has healing power. Every organism has an inherent intelligence of how to heal and will always strive to that end. The job of a Naturopathic doctor is to always support and facilitate the expression of this healing force.
Treat the Cause- tolle causam
Only by finding the cause can true healing take place. Treating symptoms only leads to palliation not to cure. The name of a disease does not explain the cause of a disease. A naturopathic doctor does not see symptoms as disease, but rather expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. Therefore he/she will attempt to find and treat the cause of disease and avoid “cookbook” approaches aimed at eliminating symptoms.
Treat the Whole Person - tolle totum
Body systems do not function independently, but are intimately connected, one relying on the next for its healthy function. A medical model that treats individual parts of the body like an automobile, ignores the impact and connectedness of mind, body and spirit and undermines the inherent intelligent of the body.
The Physician is a Teacher - docere
The physician's major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own healthcare. Creating a healing partnerships with patients provides the most therapeutic value. As teacher, the naturopathic doctor constantly works toward graduating their clients to a self-sufficient health-care.
Prevention is the best "cure"
Naturopathic physicians are experts in preventive medicine. Early and intelligent interventions that focus on whole body wellness and account for unique genetic, metabolic, and psycho-spiritual needs create lasting health and quality life.
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