WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathic Medicine was founded over a hundred years ago. Natural remedies used by Naturopathic Doctors have been used for centuries. By the mid-1900's many Naturopathic Physicians, and medical schools were declining due to the advent of technologies and the discovery of antibiotics.
Today, resurgence of natural remedies means more people are seeking the knowledge and expertise of Naturopaths. Currently, 14 states in the United States have licensing laws for Naturopathic Doctors. A graduate from an accredited Naturopathic Medical school must pass the national doctoral board examination to obtain a license to practice.
Naturopathic Medicine has a philosophy: Vis mediatrix naturae-nature is the healer of all diseases. This is not new medicine or alternative but has its roots in medicine thousands of years old. A Naturopathic Doctor is a primary care doctor trained to diagnose and treat patients using natural modalities such as physical medicine, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, counseling, and hydrotherapy, among others.
Six principles that guide Naturopathic Medicine
First Do No Harm - primum non nocere
Naturopathic medicine use safe therapies, avoiding side-effects.
The Healing Power of Nature - vis medicatrix naturae
A doctor's role is to facilitate the natural ability of the human body to heal and restore health. We help the body on this journey.
Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect - tolle causam
We seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. This acts as an obstacle to cure. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.
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.
The Physician is a Teacher - 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.
Prevention is the best "cure"
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.
