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PRINCIPLES OF
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Vis Medicatrix Naturae
The Healing Power
of Nature
Naturopathic medicine recognizes the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians identify and remove obstacles to recovery to facilitate this healing ability in patients.
Identify and Treat the Cause
The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.
Tolle Causam
Identify and Treat the Cause
First Do No Harm
Primum Non Nocere
First Do No Harm
Naturopathic medicine follows 3 principles to avoid harm
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use methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects
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avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms
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acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.
Doctor as Teacher
Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
Docere
Doctor as Teacher
Treat the Whole Person
Tolle Totum
Treat the
Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path.
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.
Prevenire
Prevention
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