The Healing Power of Nature. Naturopathic medicine recognizes
an inherent self-healing process in the person which is ordered
and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and
remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate
and augment this inherent self-healing process.
Identify and Treat the Causes. The naturopathic physician
seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness,
rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm. Naturopathic physicians follow three
precepts to avoid harming the patient:
Doctor As Teacher. Naturopathic physicians educate
their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health.
They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of
the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat the Whole Person. Naturopathic physicians treat
each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental,
emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors.
Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic
physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual
development.
Prevention. Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention
of disease - assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility
to disease and making appropriate interventions in partnership
with their patients to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine
is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity
may thrive.