Natural Medicine
Defining Natural Medicine
The naturopathic physician is defined by the U.S. Department of Labor as one who “diagnoses, treats, and cares for patients, using a system of practice that bases its treatment of all physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural laws governing the body, utilizes physiological, psychological and mechanical methods, such as air, water, heat, earth, phytotherapy (treatment by use of plants), electrotherapy, physiotherapy, minor surgery, mechanotherapy, naturopathic corrections and manipulation, and all natural methods or modalities, together with natural medicines, natural processed foods, herbs, and natural remedies.”
I define naturopathic medicine as a distinct system of primary health care integrating science, philosophy, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness based on the six principles of naturopathic medicine. Naturopaths are trained as primary care physicians. We evaluate a patient first from a scientific perspective, then apply our principles to the prevention, care and treatment of the patient.
Naturopathic medicine combines traditional therapies with current research and advances in modern medicine. A typical visit to a naturopath will consist of a thorough health history, physical exam, and appropriate lab work.
There are six basic principles of naturopathic medicine:
Primum No Nocere – First do no Harm
The most important aspect of treating a patient from a naturopathic perspective is to avoid suppression of symptoms. The physician must get at the underlying cause of the health concern, and not focus on mere palliation of symptoms. Symptoms are seen as the body’s way of healing itself. The physician must support this process and allow true healing to occur.
Vis Medicatrix Naturae– The Healing Power of Nature
Our bodies are designed to be in a state of balance thus achieving optimal health. If there is a threat against this balance, the body has the inherent ability to restore and maintain health. This is done through an ordered process and done the way nature intended. The physician’s role is to remove obstacles to health so this natural process is allowed to occur.
Tolle Causam – Identify and Treat the Cause
Today’s health care system is based on treating symptoms not the cause of disease. Symptoms are merely the body’s expression of disease, and also it’s attempt to heal itself. By treating only these symptoms without finding the cause,it is possible to cause suppression and possibly drive the disease deeper. The cause of disease must be found in order to restore health. In order to do this, all levels of a person must be evaluated including the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental level.
Prevention – Principiis Obsta: Sero Medicina Curatur
If a disease can be prevented than our goals as naturopathic physicians are being met. Prevention is always the best medicine, and it is truly the cornerstone of naturopathic care. The physician can accomplish this through thorough health history, physical exam, and laboratory testing. Appropriate interventions are then discussed and the patient is educated about ways to obtain health through lifestyle,dietary counseling, and various other modalities in order to prevent disease.
Docere – The Physician as Teacher
Education is a vital part of helping patients become healthy. A sensitive, encouraging, empowering relationship between doctor and patient must be obtained and the patient must learn to take responsibility for their own health. This relationship is a vital part of the patient’s ability to heal, and can inspire them to have hope that they can accomplish what needs to be done in order to achieve health. The physician must also set a good example by employing a lifestyle of health and wellness.
In Perturbato Animo Sicut in Corpore Sanitas Esse non Potest – Treat the Whole Person
All aspect of a person – physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional makes them who they are. If one of these areas is out of balance, it can cause disease. As naturopathic physicians, we are taught to look at a person as a whole, and help to restore the imbalances that may be occurring on one or all of the above levels. Only when balance is restored, can total health be achieved.
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