Naturopathic physicians
are primary care and specialty doctors who address the underlying
cause of disease through effective, individualized natural
therapies that integrate the healing powers of body, mind
and spirit.
Naturopathic physicians
are unique in providing diagnosis and treatment that bridges
both conventional and natural medicine perspectives; they
integrate scientific research with the healing powers of nature.
The goal of a
naturopathic physician is to employ therapies that support
and promote the body's natural healing process, leading to
the highest state of wellness.
What
is Naturopathic Medicine?
Founded upon a
holistic philosophy, naturopathic medicine combines safe and
effective traditional therapies with the most current advances
in modern medicine. Naturopathic medicine is appropriate for
the management of a broad range of health conditions affecting
all people of all ages.
Naturopathic physicians
(N.D.s) are the highest trained practitioners in the broadest
scope of naturopathic medical modalities. In addition to the
basic medical sciences and conventional diagnostics, naturopathic
education includes therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine,
homeopathy, natural childbirth, hydrotherapy, naturopathic
manipulative therapy, pharmacology and minor surgery.
Naturopaths are
licensed to prescribe many prescription medications as well
as natural medicines such as herbs, homeopathics, and nutritional
supplements.
As professional
leaders and pioneers in science-based natural medicine, naturopathic
physicians advocate the development of professional standards,
accountability, and regulation of all forms of medicine in
all jurisdictions to maintain public safety and freedom of
choice in health care. Further, we support broad inclusion,
collaboration and equal access in the health care system at
all levels.
The American Association
of Naturopathic Physicians, in Washington, DC, is the national
organization of the profession.
Principles
of Naturopathic Philosophy
The
Healing Power of Nature
The healing power
of nature is the inherent self-organizing and healing process
of living systems that establishes, maintains and restores
health. Naturopathic medicine recognizes this healing process
to be ordered and intelligent. It is the naturopathic physician's
role to support, facilitate and augment this process by identifying
and removing obstacles to health and recovery, and by supporting
the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.
Identify
and Treat the Causes
Illness does not
occur without cause. Causes may originate in many areas. Underlying
causes of illness and disease must be identified and removed
before complete recovery can occur. Symptoms can be expressions
of the body's attempt to defend itself, to adapt and recover,
to heal itself, or may be results of the causes of disease.
The naturopathic physician seeks to treat the causes of disease,
rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm
Naturopathic physicians
follow three precepts to avoid harming the patient:
