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How are Naturopathic Physicians Unique?

A naturopathic physician is trained as a primary care general practitioner with expertise in natural and holistic medicine. Naturopathic physicians perform physical examinations, laboratory testing, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, allergy testing, and other diagnostic techniques. They take the time to listen and get to know the whole person, then adapt natural treatment approaches to fit a person’s needs. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other healthcare practitioners for diagnosis and treatment whenever appropriate.

Today’s naturopathic physicians artfully blend modern cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with ancient and traditional methods. Because naturopathic physicians believe in understanding patients from the cellular-level up, they actively pursue the latest biochemical findings relating to the workings of the body and the dynamics of botanical medicines, nutrition, homeopathy, and other natural therapies. These physicians are succeeding in their goal to present the world with a healing paradigm founded on a rational balance of tradition, science, and respect for nature.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a holistic practice of medicine that blends natural therapies with current scientific advances in health. It covers all aspects of health, from prenatal to geriatrics, and emphasizes whole-person wellness. The medicine is tailored to the individual and promotes self-care and prevention. There are 7 guiding principles that define naturopathic medicine:

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent ability in the body which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery and to facilitate and augment this healing ability.

Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.

First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient:
- Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
- Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms.
- Acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.

Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.

Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. In addition, rather than treating specific symptoms or specific areas of the body, naturopathic physicians adopt a whole person approach to healing.

Prevention
Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.

Wellness
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, no matter what diseases are being experienced.