The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

​Do you know how amazing the healing power of nature is?​
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We as living beings are natural and therefore the power of nature is also the power of us. The core practice of naturopathic medicine is as old as healing itself and as modern as new medical breakthroughs.​
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It is defined by principles rather than by treatment options. Above all, it honors the body’s innate wisdom to heal and gives patients the tools for lifelong wellness.​
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As we celebrate Naturopathic Medicine week let me introduce to you The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine that unites all ND’s across the world.​
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First Do No Harm​
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Core to all medical practice is the desire to help the human form and condition. NDs typically approach care by utilizing methods and medicinal substances in the most natural, least invasive, and least toxic therapies. They acknowledge and respect an individual's self-healing process. NDs will refer when the patient’s presentation is outside their scope or level of skill.​
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The Healing Power of Nature​
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Nature isn't just a wilderness. It has a lot of benefits too. NDs recognize the value of our natural world in assisting the healing process. Not only do NDs utilize substances that originate in nature, but they also incorporate a healthy natural environment as foundational to human health. Naturopathic doctors recognize and harness the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself in order to guide patients to wellness and total health.​
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Identify and Treat the Causes​
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Illness does not occur without cause. Causes may arise on many levels including mental, physical, and emotional. Naturopathic physicians seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.​
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Doctor as Teacher​
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How is your doctor-patient relationship with your physician? You need a trusted physician who helps you have a better understanding of what it takes to be healthy and stay well. Don't underestimate a collaborative doctor-patient relationship as it innates therapeutic value. ​
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Naturopathic doctors elevate patient health literacy. That means that NDs are part of the team helping patients have a better understanding of what it takes to be and stay well.​
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Treat the Whole Person​
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Have you ever wondered why some of your illness keeps coming back? It is because health and disease are conditions of the whole organism. It involves a complex interaction of your physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors. ​
The harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual is essential to the recovery and prevention of disease. Naturopathic doctors understand the interconnectedness of our body, our environment, and our lifestyle on your total health.​
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Prevention​
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Have you ever heard of the saying, prevention is better than cure? Do you agree? Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is better to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible.​
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NDs combine all six principles in order to identify potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well.​
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The emphasis is on building health rather than on fighting disease.​
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The principles are not only an oath, they are the foundation of naturopathic medical education and naturopathic patient care.​
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I hope this gives you an overview of how we ND’s practice naturopathic medicine by stimulating and supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal, we identify the root cause, address it as naturally and gently as possible, and teach patients how to create wellness, and to prevent illness whenever possible.

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