Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is a primary health care profession — the philosophy, science, and practice of preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions of the human mind and body. It is a profession distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based:

• The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
  Naturopathic doctors recognize and trust the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself. We facilitate this natural capacity for self-healing by identifying and removing obstacles to health, and by supporting the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.
• Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
  Naturopathic doctors recognize symptoms are manifestations of an underlying imbalance and rather than suppressing them, we address the underlying causes.
• First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
  Naturopathic physicians utilize methods and medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful effects and apply the least possible force or intervention necessary to diagnose illness and restore health.
• Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
  A principal objective of naturopathic medicine is to educate the patient and emphasize self-responsibility for optimal wellness.
• Treat the Whole Person
  Naturopathic doctors view the body as an integrated whole in its physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions.
• Prevention
  The prevention of disease and the attainment of optimal health in patients are primary objectives of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic physicians assess risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and make appropriate interventions for illness prevention.

German physician Benedict Lust brought Naturopathic Medicine to the United States in 1892 and as he defined it, is the use of nontoxic healing methods derived from the best traditional healing systems from around the world. Naturopathic Medicine has evolved with advances in science and medicine, and has grown into a recognized profession of primary care physicians who are specialists in conventional diagnosis coupled with natural treatment protocols.

Naturopathic physicians attend a 4-5 year postgraduate medical institution where they are scientifically trained in both the medical sciences and natural healing modalities such as: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, and physical medicine. Naturopathic physicians are currently licensed to practice as primary care doctors in fifteen states of the US.

Naturopathic medicine combines safe and effective traditional therapies with the most current advances in modern medicine. It is appropriate for the management of a broad range of health conditions affecting people of all ages.