Are you wondering what naturopathic medicine is all about? Maybe you haven't heard of it, or you would like to round out what you do know. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are notorious for defining their own approaches to wellness, individualizing their care and specialties. These six foundational principles of naturopathic medicine however, provide the framework that each and every ND uses. With this common language amongst us, NDs are able to best offer holistic, client-centered care.
1) The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
This principle acknowledges that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. Nature provides what we need for optimal healing. Consequently, naturopathic doctors work to identify and remove obstacles to health, in order to facilitate an inherent healing response.
2) Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
The naturopathic doctor investigates the root cause of illness. As a result, NDs invest energy into seeking curative measures rather than eliminating or suppressing symptoms.
3) First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic medicine aims to do no harm by always considering how to achieve the most healing with the least invasive intervention. In the same vein, NDs attempt to allow healing to occur without the suppression of symptoms. When necessary, NDs also use methods and natural substances which can effectively support recovery.
4) Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
By acting as educator to patients, naturopathic doctors encourage their patients to take responsibility and ownership of their health. Due to this principle, NDs acknowledge and respect the therapeutic value that exists within the ND/client relationship.
5) Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)
Connecting mind, body, and spirit, naturopathic doctors treat each individual by considering all aspects of their life. So, by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors, NDs are equipped to provide true, whole person health.
6) Prevention
Lastly, naturopathic doctors promote methods of disease prevention. By assessing risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease, NDs are able to facilitate behavior and lifestyle modifications that may prevent illness from occurring.
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For more information on naturopathic medicine visit: https://bastyr.edu/academics/naturopathic-medicine/about-naturopathic-medicine
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