Naturopathic Medical Philosophy
Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine that assists in the restoration of health by adhering to six basic principles.
The Healing Power of Nature
A basic assumption is that nature is orderly and this orderliness lays the foundation for the welfare of every living being on the planet. It recognizes an inherent self-healing process in each person which is ordered and intelligent.
Identify and Treat the Cause
The Naturopathic doctor seeks to identify and remove any underlying causes of illness.
First Do No Harm
Three principles are used to avoid harming the patient.
- Employ methods and remedies that minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
- Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms.
- Respect and work with each individual’s natural self-healing process.
Doctor As Teacher
The naturopathic doctor strives to educate each patient regarding their health imbalance and ways to attain a balanced state of health. The doctor encourages each patient to embrace self-responsibility for obtaining and maintaining personal health.
Treat the Whole Person
Each patient is viewed to possess unique, individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors that effect overall well-being. The naturopathic doctor strives to develop a treatment protocol that acknowledges each patient’s individuality.
Prevention
The Naturopathic doctor emphasizes prevention of disease. Risk factors are assessed and appropriate interventions are suggested to prevent illness. The doctor focuses on working in partnership with the patient to reduce susceptibility to disease.
The naturopathic doctor employs a variety of methods that reflect the six guiding principles of this medicine. Many methods are derived from a healing practice known as "Nature Cure". This system originated in Europe during the 1900s and utilized water, air, diet, and herbs to treat illness. Other methods are derived from modern scientific research and preparation of remedies such as nutritional supplements.
Naturopathic doctors attend accredited medical colleges. Naturopathic medical education is a four-year medical program that requires a Bachelor's degree upon entry. The first two years involve didactic study of the basic sciences, including Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical and Physical Diagnosis and Laboratory Diagnosis. The following two years comprise the study of clinical sciences, while incorporating several approaches to natural medicine, such as Botanical Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, and Homeopathy. Courses combine the knowledge of Western science with the art of natural healing.