Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care - an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. Naturopathic medicine's techniques include modern, traditional, scientific and empirical methods. Its practice is based on 6 principles of healing:

First Do No Harm "primum no nocere"

Naturopathic doctors seek to do no harm with medical treatment by employing safe, effective, less invasive, and natural therapies and are ever mindful of the side-effects of treatment.

The healing Power Of Nature "vis medicatrix naturae"

The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The doctor's role is to facilitate and augment this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies; to act to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery; and to support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.

Identify and Treat the Cause "tolle causum"

Naturopathic doctors are not only trained to investigate and diagnose diseases, they are also trained to look for underlying cause, be it physical, mental, or emotional. Symptoms are viewed as an expression of the body's attempt to heal, but not are the cause of disease. The doctor must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels and treat the cause rather than just suppress the symptoms.

Treat the Whole Person

The interaction between the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, spiritual, environmental, and social condition of the individual is considered and therapy is directed at these complex factors.

Prevention Is the Best Cure

 

Doctor As Teacher "docere"

A physician is a facilitator for a patient's healing process and always the educator.

 

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For detailed information about the education and licensing of Naturopathic Physicians in the U.S. see the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website

Founded in 1956, National College of Naturopathic Medicine is the oldest accredited school of natural medicine in North America.

All modern qualified naturopathic physicians have Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degrees. ND's study the same basic and clinical sciences as do other medical students, as well as the full spectrum of natural medicines and therapies. Their education includes:

• premedical undergraduate coursework

• an extensive application and admission process (only 1 of 3 applicants were accepted in 1997)

• graduation from four-year, graduate level, federally accredited naturopathic medical schools

• two full years of supervised clinical internship

• extensive training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine & body energy work, and lifestyle counseling