top of page

 PRINCIPLES OF 

 NATUROPATHIC   MEDICINE 

Principles
The Healing Power of Nature
elements_0017_18.png

 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.

 Identify and Treat   the Cause 

b_0009_10.png
First Do No Harm
dusty_plannts_0009_10.png

 First Do No Harm 

Naturopathic medicine follows 3 principles to avoid harm

​

  • 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.

 Doctor as Teacher 

dusty_plannts_0008_9.png
Treat the Whole Person
dusty_plannts_0005_6.png

 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.

 Prevention 

dusty_plannts_0010_11.png

adapted from AANMC, AANP, and NTP resources

bottom of page