Naturopathic Medicine is a system of medicine that focuses on finding and treating the cause of disease, using plant-based medicines, homeopathy, diet and nutrient therapies and conventional medicine when necessary. The principles of Naturopathic Medicine is the foundation by which this system of medicine is based.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
1. First Do No Harm/Primum Non Nocere: Using substances which minimize the risk of harmful effects to the patient and avoiding suppression of symptoms.
2. The Healing Power of Nature/Vis Medicatrix Naturae: Recognize the inherent self-healing process in the person. Identify and remove obstacles to healing.
3. Identify and Treat the Cause/Tolle Causam: Identify and treat the cause of the illness rather than suppress symptoms. Restore function in the person.
4. Doctor As Teacher/Docere: Educate patients and encourage self responsibility for health.
5. Treat the Whole Person: Consider each patient as an individual with different physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and spiritual needs.
6. Prevention: Assessing each person's lifestyle, risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease and educating them on how to establish health and wellness.
7. Establish Health and Wellness: Establish and maintain optimal health and wellness. Increase each person's level of wellness so that they may achieve an optimal state of physical, mental, social and spiritual health.