Principles of Naturopathy
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- Principles of Naturopathy
Naturopathic practice is based on a belief in the body's ability to heal itself through a special vital energy or force guiding bodily processes internally. The six principles of naturopathy includes
Healing Power of Nature
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in each person, which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
First, Do No Harm
Naturopathic doctors utilize methods and natural substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat while avoiding when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms; and respecting the individuals’ self-healing process.
Identify and Treat the Cause
Health and “dis”-ease are the result of various factors in our lives. We look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.
Doctor as Teacher
The origin of the word “doctor” means teacher. The naturopathic doctor upholds this responsibility by viewing each patient visit as an educational opportunity.
Healing Power of Nature
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in each person, which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
Treat the Whole Person
Health and disease result from complex interactions between our internal (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic) and our external (social, environmental) experiences. Naturopathic medicine recognizes that optimal health is based on the harmonious functioning of these factors.
Prevention
Naturopathic doctors emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease. Appropriate interventions are made in partnership with the patient.