These articles describe some of the approaches taken by Naturopath doctors.
They are not meant to be medical advice.
Please discuss topics with your personal physician before making health-related decisions.

Principles and Practice of Naturopathic Medicine
by John Ruhland, ND

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care. It is notable in that it is also an art, science, philosophy, as well as the practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness.

Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based. These principles are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances. The techniques of Naturopathic medicine include both modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods. The following principles are the foundation of Naturopathic medical practice:

Principles

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.

Identify and Treat the Causes (ToIle Causam)
The Naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.

First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:

• Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;
• Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms;
• Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual's self-healing process.

Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, Naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.

Prevention
Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity, and susceptibility to disease. They offer appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.

Naturopathic medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.

Practice

Naturopathic Methods
Naturopathic medicine is defined by its principles. Methods and modalities are selected and applied based upon these principles in relationship to the individual needs of each patient. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods are selected from various sources and systems, and will continue to evolve with the progress of knowledge.

Naturopathic Practice
Naturopathic practice includes the following diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, Naturopathic physical medicine including Naturopathic manipulative therapy, public health measures and hygiene, counseling, minor surgery, homeopathy, acupuncture, prescription medication, intravenous and injection therapy, Naturopathic obstetrics (natural childbirth), and appropriate methods of laboratory and clinical diagnosis.