What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is a unique philosophy of medicine which is based on the healing power of nature. Naturopathic Medicine has it’s roots in the traditional medicine practiced in Europe hundreds of years ago. It is philosophically distinct from the allopathic medicine practiced by MDs in this country.
The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine are:
Vix Medicatrix Naturae – The Healing Power of Nature.
Nature acts powerfully through healing mechanisms in the body to maintain and restore health. The naturopathic physician works to restore and support these inherent systems.
Primum Non Nocere – First Do No Harm.
The naturopathic physician seeks to provide the most effective health care with the least risk to the client.
Tolle Causum – Find Cause.
The naturopathic physician shall strive to identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
Docere – Doctor as Teacher.
The naturopathic physician educates the client, inspires rational hope, and encourages self-responsibility for health.
Treat the Whole Person –
Health or disease comes from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle or other factors. The naturopathic physician treats the whole person, taking these factors into account.
Wellness –
Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone. The naturopathic physician shall seek to restore, maintain, and optimize wellness.
Preventive Medicine –
The naturopathic physician promotes health through the prevention of disease for the individual, each community, and the world.
In working with sleep patients, these Principles are so important that they are posted in the waiting room, and guide my work each day.