What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine that emphasizes prevention and the body's ability to heal itself through natural means. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained in a wide range of healing modalities, including herbal medicine, nutrition, physical manipulation, and lifestyle counseling. They work to address the underlying causes of illness, rather than just treating symptoms.

The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is based on 6 key principles:

1. First, Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): NDs use methods and medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
2. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): NDs trust in the body's inherent wisdom to heal itself.
3. Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam): NDs seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
4. Doctor as Teacher (Docere): NDs educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health.
5. Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum): NDs view the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.
6. Prevention (Praevenire): NDs emphasize disease prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Naturopaths Leverage the Human Body's Natural Healing Abilities

One of the key principles of naturopathic medicine is that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. NDs focus on supporting and enhancing this inherent healing capacity through a variety of treatments. These may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, detoxification protocols, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and mind-body techniques such as meditation and yoga.

Naturopathic medicine is often used to treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, including allergies, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, and mental health issues.

Naturopathic Medicine and Prevention

In addition to treating existing health conditions, naturopathic medicine also focuses on prevention. NDs emphasize the importance of maintaining overall health and well-being through healthy lifestyle choices, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. By addressing imbalances in the body and promoting optimal health, naturopathic medicine can help prevent illness and disease before they develop.

An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

- Benjamin Franklin

A Whole-Body, Natural Solution for a Healthier Life

Overall, naturopathic medicine offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to healthcare that emphasizes natural therapies, prevention, and empowerment. By treating the whole person and addressing the underlying causes of illness, NDs work to support the body's innate ability to heal and achieve optimal health and well-being.