Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of health care that emphasizes prevention, natural therapies, and the body’s self-healing ability. It blends traditional healing wisdom with modern scientific research to address the root causes of illness. Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) attend accredited 4-year medical schools and are trained in both conventional and natural therapies.

  • The principles of naturopathic medicine form the philosophical foundation that guides naturopathic doctors. The core principles, as defined by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicicans (AANP), and taught in accredited naturopathic medical schools, are:

    1. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) - The body has an innate ability to heal itself. Practitioners support this process by removing obstacles to recovery and facilitating natural healing mechanisms through lifestyle counseling, diet, botanical medicine, and other natural interventions.

    2. Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam) - Focus on finding and addressing the root cause of illness rather than just managing symptoms.

    3. First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere) - Use the least invasive, least toxic therapies first. Avoid interventions that suppress symptoms in a way that could cause further disruption and worsen long-term health.

    4. Doctor as Teacher (Docere) - Educate and empower patients to take agency and responsibility for their health.

    5. Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum) - Consider physical, environmental, and social factors in health.

    6. Prevention is the Best Cure (Preventare) - Proactively prevent disease through lifestyle choices and risk-factor reduction.

    7. Wellness (Promoting Optimal Health) - Health is not just the absence of disease but a state of vibrant well-being. NDs aim to optimize vitality, not just manage illness.

  • The therapeutic order is a foundational framework that guides practitioners to address health concerns in a systemic, individualized, and least-forceful way. Emphasis is on supporting the body’s innate healing ability before using more invasive interventions.

    The 7 steps of the Therapeutic Order:

    1st - Identify and Remove Obstacles to Healing

    2nd - Stimulate the Body’s Self-Healing Mechanisms

    3rd - Strengthen Weakened or Damaged Systems ~ Restore & Repair

    4th - Correct Structural Integrity ~ assess and address physical misalignments, imbalances, or dysfunctions in the body’s structure.

    5th - Use Natural Interventions for Pathology (When Necessary)

    6th - Use Pharmaceutical or Synthetic Substances to Stop Progressive Pathology

    7th - Use High Force, Invasive Therapies to Suppress Pathology

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