The Seven Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Traditionally Naturopathic medicine or the Practice of Natural medicine is based on Seven Principles:

Here they are:

1.The Healing Power of Nature: (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

Naturopathic medicine recognizes that all living systems have an innate ability to heal it-self. Our vital force promotes self-cleansing, self-repair, and thus self-healing. The Naturopaths role is to facilitate this natural process.

2. Treat the Cause: (Tolle Causam) Naturopaths are trained to identify and remove the underlying cause of disease; these causes can exist at the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. It is a Naturopaths role to identify, treat and remove the cause rather than suppress symptoms.

3. First Do No Harm: (Primum Non Nocere) Naturopaths use safe and effective methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, they use the least force necessary to diagnose and assist in the restoration of health.

4. Treat the Whole Person: Naturopaths treat the person holistically, they take into account the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental factors that make up the total state of health.

5. Doctor as Teacher (Docere): The original meaning of the word "doctor" is teacher. Naturopaths educate their patients by empowering, encouraging and motivating patients to assume self-responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy attitude, lifestyle and diet.

6. Preventative Medicine: The Naturopaths health approach is all about preventing minor illnesses to avoid the development of more serious diseases. They achieve this by educating and encouraging people about life habits that support health.

7. Wellness: A Naturopaths role is to help the patient establish and maintain optimum health and balance by promoting wellness. Wellness is inherent in everyone no matter what dis-ease(s) are being experienced.

Do you need to see a Naturopath to help balance your health or address underlying issues?