Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct health care profession with a comprehensive approach to education, treatment, and prevention of disease based on holistic philosophies and natural therapeutics. Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness, tailoring treatment to the individual and emphasizing prevention and self-care. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. The primary focus is to provide the least invasive, most efficacious, non-toxic therapies that address the cause of illness, not simply the suppression of symptoms. Naturopathic medicine is a unique blend of centuries-old natural therapies and current advances in the scientific study of health and the human body. Naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.

The following six principles are the cornerstone of Naturopathic Medicine and what unites the profession as a whole:

The Healing Power of Nature Vis Medicatrix Naturae
The body has an inherent wisdom to maintain a balanced and healthy state. The Naturopathic Doctor recognizes this process as intelligent and uses medicines and techniques to support, maintain, and augment this healing process by identifying and removing any obstacles to health and recovery.

First Do No Harm. Primum non Nocere
NDs use non-invasive procedures and natural remedies to treat disease, avoid the suppression of symptoms, and respect each individual’s self-healing process and journey. The aim is to minimize the risks of harmful side-effects while helping the patient reach their ultimate health goals.

Identify and Treat the Cause. Tolle Causam
The primary goal of NDs is to identify the underlying cause of an illness, and to remove the obstacles to recovery. NDs do not merely treat symptoms, but use symptoms as a guide to deeper healing.

Doctor as Teacher. Docere
NDs provide essential information for their patients to make informed choices, while encouraging them to take a more active role in their health care. Knowledge is power.

Treat the Whole Person. Holism
NDs focus on all aspects of health and wellness by treating each patient as a unique individual. NDs help patients discover their optimal physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual selves.

Prevention.
NDs help prevent disease by assessing risk factors, identifying susceptibility to disease, and educating their patients on those practices that aid restoring and promoting health.