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 PRINCIPLES OF 
 NATUROPATHIC   MEDICINE 

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 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 

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First Do No Harm
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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

  • 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
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 

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Treat the Whole Person
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 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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adapted from AANMC & AANP

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