Naturopathy and naturopathic medicine are based on the following principles:
The Healing Power of Nature: Nature acts powerfully, through healing mechanisms in the body and mind, to maintain and restore health. Naturopath’s work to restore and support these inherent healing systems by using herbal medicines together with diet and lifestyle techniques that are in harmony with nature.
First Do No Harm: Naturopath’s prefer non-invasive treatments that eliminate the risks of harmful side effects. They use herbs, vitamins and minerals, and are trained to distinguish which patient can be safely treated with naturopathic medicine, and which patient may need to be referred to another health care provider.
Find the Cause: Every illness has an underlying cause. This cause often involves lifestyle, diet or individual habits. A naturopath is trained to find and address the underlying cause of a disease.
Treat the Whole Person: Health and disease are the result of a complex interaction between physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Naturopath’s treat the whole person, taking into account all of these factors.
Preventive Medicine: The naturopathic approach to health care can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative diseases. Patients are taught the principles for living a healthy life. By following these principles, they are more likely to prevent major illnesses and promote health and well-being.