Naturopath Principles

First, do no harm: Naturopathic doctors (NDs) aim to use the least invasive and least harmful treatments to help their patients achieve optimal health. They also avoid using treatments that may suppress symptoms without addressing the underlying cause of the disease.

The healing power of nature: NDs believe in the inherent ability of the body to heal itself. Naturopathic treatments aim to support and stimulate the body's natural healing processes.

Identify and treat the root cause: NDs seek to identify and address the underlying causes of disease, rather than just treating the symptoms. This involves looking at the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person's health.

Treat the whole person: NDs take into account a person's physical, emotional, and spiritual health when developing a treatment plan. They also consider the individual's lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors.

Prevention is key: NDs place a strong emphasis on disease prevention through healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene.

Doctor as teacher: NDs aim to educate and empower their patients to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing.

Individualized care: NDs develop personalized treatment plans based on each individual's unique needs and circumstances.

Support the whole person: NDs aim to support the whole person by addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health. They recognize that health and illness are not just physical conditions, but are also affected by the mind and spirit.

Treat the individual, not the disease: NDs take an individualized approach to care, recognizing that each person is unique and may have different factors contributing to their illness. They develop treatment plans that are tailored to the individual's needs, rather than just focusing on the disease or condition.

Emphasize self-care and self-healing: NDs empower their patients to take an active role in their own health and healing. They provide education and guidance on self-care practices that can help support the body's natural healing processes.

Use evidence-based treatments: While naturopathic medicine often uses natural remedies, NDs rely on scientific evidence to support the use of these treatments. They also integrate conventional medical techniques and diagnostics when appropriate.

Emphasize disease prevention: NDs recognize that the best way to promote health is to prevent illness before it occurs. They provide education on healthy lifestyle habits and preventive measures, such as diet, exercise, and stress management.

Focus on health and wellness: NDs aim to promote overall health and wellness, not just treat disease. They encourage patients to strive for optimal health, rather than just managing symptoms.

Balance is key: NDs recognize that the body has an innate ability to maintain balance and harmony, and that disease occurs when this balance is disrupted. Naturopathic treatments aim to restore balance in the body and support overall health and wellbeing.

Collaborative approach: NDs often work in partnership with other healthcare practitioners, including conventional medical doctors, to provide the best possible care for their patients. They recognize the value of a collaborative approach and aim to work together with other practitioners to promote the health and wellness of their patients.

Focus on education and prevention: NDs place a strong emphasis on education and prevention, recognizing that this is the most effective way to promote health and prevent disease. They provide education on healthy lifestyle habits and preventive measures, and work with their patients to develop personalized health plans that focus on long-term wellness.

Natural treatments: Naturopathic medicine often uses natural treatments, including herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes, to support the body's natural healing processes. These treatments are typically safe and effective, with few side effects.

Healing environment: NDs recognize the importance of a healing environment, and aim to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their patients. This may include creating a calm and relaxing space, or providing emotional support and guidance.

Emphasis on nutrition: NDs recognize the importance of nutrition in promoting health and preventing disease. They work with their patients to develop personalized dietary plans that are tailored to their individual needs and support their overall health and wellbeing.

Use of complementary therapies: In addition to natural treatments, NDs may also use complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and hydrotherapy, to support the body's natural healing processes and promote health and wellness.

Empowerment of patients: NDs believe in empowering their patients to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing. They provide education and guidance on self-care practices, and work with their patients to develop personalized health plans that emphasize preventive measures and natural treatments.

Treat the whole family: Naturopathic medicine is a family-oriented practice that aims to support the health and wellbeing of the entire family, from children to adults. NDs work with families to develop personalized health plans that promote overall health and wellness.

Environmental health: NDs recognize the impact of environmental factors on health and wellness, and aim to promote a healthy environment for their patients. They provide education on environmental toxins and work with their patients to reduce their exposure to harmful substances.

Root cause resolution: NDs seek to identify and treat the root causes of illness, rather than simply addressing the symptoms. By addressing the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions in the body, NDs aim to support the body's natural healing processes and promote long-term health and wellness.

Emphasis on mental health: NDs recognize the importance of mental and emotional health in promoting overall health and wellbeing. They may use techniques such as counseling, mindfulness, and stress reduction to support mental and emotional health.

Personalized treatment plans: NDs work with their patients to develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs and goals. This may involve a combination of natural treatments, lifestyle changes, and conventional medical treatments, depending on the individual's unique circumstances.

Prevention of chronic disease: NDs place a strong emphasis on preventing chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. They provide education and guidance on healthy lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise, which can help prevent the development of these conditions.

Support for acute and chronic conditions: Naturopathic medicine can be used to support both acute and chronic conditions. NDs may use natural treatments, such as herbal remedies, to support the body's natural healing processes and promote a faster recovery from acute illnesses. For chronic conditions, NDs work with their patients to develop long-term health plans that focus on prevention, natural treatments, and lifestyle changes.

Focus on functional medicine: NDs often use a functional medicine approach, which involves identifying imbalances in the body's biochemical, hormonal, or other physiological systems. By addressing these imbalances, NDs aim to support the body's natural healing processes and promote overall health and wellness.

Respect for individual differences: NDs recognize that each person is unique, and may require different treatments or approaches to achieve optimal health. They respect individual differences and work with their patients to develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs.

Use of diagnostic testing: NDs may use a variety of diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, stool tests, and hormone tests, to identify imbalances or dysfunctions in the body. By using these tests, NDs can develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to the individual's unique needs.