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It combines scientific knowledge with
traditional and natural forms of medicine to support and stimulate the
healing power of the body. Naturopathic care is a distinct system primarily because it emphasizes the importance of an INDIVIDUALIZED approach to treat and prevent illness.
Naturopathic Medicine is characterized by the restoration of health:
treating disease by restoring health. To restore health, naturopathic
physicians focus on the process of disease. The process involves various
factors that disturb normal health. Identifying these disturbing
factors and removing them will improve the function of the body, and in
doing so, the health naturally improves. Naturopathic physicians focus
on the education, guidance, support, and active participation of the
patient in the pursuit of reaching their optimal health.
Naturopathic Medicine is distinguished by the principles that
underlie and determine its practice. These principles emphasize a
practice that empowers the individual to take greater responsibility of
their personal health care and maintenance.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
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First, to do no harm; By using therapies and treatments that have the most benefit, and minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
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To treat the causes of disease; Rather than suppressing symptoms.
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To teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine: By sharing knowledge with patients and encouraging individual responsibility for health.
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To heal the whole person through individualized treatment; By understanding the unique physical, mental, emotional, genetic,
environmental and social factors that contribute to illness, and
customizing treatment protocols to the patient.
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To emphasize prevention; By assessing risk factors and recommending appropriate naturopathic interventions to maintain health and prevent illness.
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To support the healing power of the body; By recognizing and removing obstacles to the body's inherent self-healing process. |
