The Naturopathic Approach
Dr. Kathleen Harley is trained in Naturopathic Medicine
Healing Philosophy: Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct healing system that takes into account the whole person and acknowledges the integration of all body systems, mind, emotions and spirit. This practice is currently a naturopathic medical practice. As such, the doctor seeks to address the whole person and support the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors work to educate and empower people to take responsibility for their own health. Naturopathic doctors are health facilitators, providing evaluations, assessment, and recommendations for people who are committed to adapting healthier lifestyles.
The precepts that guide this naturopathic medical practice are:
The
Seven Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
o First Do No Harm – primum non nocere
§ Use safe and effective therapies
o The Healing Power of Nature – vis medicatrix naturae
§ The human body possesses an inherent ability to restore health. It is our role to facilitate this process with the aide of natural, non-toxic therapies.
o Discover and Treat the Cause not just the Effect – tolle causam
§ Seek and address underlying causes of disturbances in health, rather than just addressing symptoms. Remove the obstacles that prevent the body from recovering.
o Treat the Whole Person – tolle totum
§ The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs.
o Teach – docere
§ The physician’s major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy, cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.
o Prevention is the best cure – praevenire
§ Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.
o Wellness – Salus
§ Establish or re-establish health and well being.
