Naturopathic medicine is governed by six core principles:
The Healing Power of Nature Naturopathic
physicians recognize that the body’s inherent self-healing process is ordered and intelligent, and work to facilitate this process by identifying and removing any obstacles to healing and recovery.
Treat the Cause
Naturopathic physicians seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than focusing on the treatment or suppression of symptoms.
First Do No Harm
Keeping the patient’s comfort and safety in mind, naturopathic doctors use methods and medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful side effects, avoid the suppression of symptoms, respect the self-healing process and employ the least force necessary to diagnose and treat.
Doctor as Teacher
Naturopathic physicians educate their patients, encourage self-responsibility and understand the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians take into account each individual’s physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors, and understand that total health is also tied to spiritual health.
Prevention
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention, with doctors assessing risk factors and working with patients to help prevent illness.