Naturopathic Medicine
Understanding the Practice
What Is a Naturopathic Physician?
Naturopathic physicians obtain comprehensive training in both the medical sciences and various disciplines of alternative medicine at a four-year medical school. They provide medical care in a way that supports the whole person and seek to identify and treat the root causes of disease.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
The modern practice of naturopathic medicine is based on both traditional methods of healing and cutting-edge scientific research. Typical naturopathic treatments include nutritional and lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine, homeopathy, therapeutic use of nutrients, physiotherapy, spinal manipulation, mind-body medicine, and occasionally pharmaceutical drugs. Whenever possible, naturopathic doctors use supportive and non-suppressive treatments in order to allow the body to naturally heal.
Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
| Latin Principle | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vis Medicatrix Naturae | The Healing Power of Nature |
| Treat the Whole Person | Holistic approach to health |
| Primum Non Nocere | First, Do No Harm |
| Tolle Causam | Identify and Treat the Cause |
| Prevention Is the Best Cure | Proactive health management |
| Docere | Doctor as Teacher |
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Definition
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct method of primary care—an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness.
The goal of naturopathic medical treatment is to restore and maintain optimal health.
Professional Affiliations
