Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

The body has an innate ability to maintain and restore health.  It is the physician’s role to facilitate this process by identifying and removing any obstacles to the healing process and to support the inherent healing power of the body by creating a healthy internal and external environment.

First Do Not Harm (Primum Non Nocere)

The therapies used in treatment are safe, non-invasive and minimize the risk of harmful side effects.  Therapies are designed to work in tandem with the healing power of the body rather than against it.

Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)

Symptoms are the body’s way of letting us know that disease is present.  Naturopathic physicians are trained in finding, treating and eliminating the cause of disease so that the body can heal.  During this process the doctor will evaluate all possible underlying causes including physical, mental, emotional or spiritual and use that information to direct treatment.

Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totem)

We are all unique individuals and as such every person can experience illness in a different way.  Health and disease arise from a complex interaction of many factors including physical, emotional, genetic, dietary, environmental and lifestyle.  Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person taking into account these individual differences and tailor treatment to address the pertinent issues.

Prevention (Prevenir)

The fundamental goal of naturopathic medicine is to prevent disease from occurring in the first place.  Emphasis is placed on building health and strengthening the body rather than on fighting disease.

Physician as Teacher (Docere)

One of the primary goals of a Naturopathic physician is to educate their patients on how to become and stay healthy.  The doctor will encourage their patients to take responsibility for their own health.