Naturopathic Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles

The philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine is guided by the following six principles. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease. It is these principles that distinguish the profession from other medical approaches.

- First, do no harm
Naturopathic Doctors ensure the use of methods and medicinal substances that have minimal harmful side effects. They avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms and instead acknowledge and respect the individual’s healing process, using the least force necessary to encourage the return to good health.

- Support the natural healing process of the body
The goal is to restore and support the powerful inherent healing ability of your body, mind and spirit. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process.

- Identify and address the root cause of disease
Symptoms are expressions of the body’s attempt to heal, but are not the cause of disease.
It is important to identify and eliminate, when possible, the underlying cause of disease, or disharmony, rather than simply managing or suppressing the symptoms as this could potentially lead to more severe complications. Causes may occur on many levels, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

- Treat the whole person
Every individual is unique with their own set of physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and spiritual factors. Disease affects the entire person, not just a specific organ or system. The harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual is essential to recovery from and prevention of disease.

- Teach the basis to health and self care
It is the Naturopathic Doctor’s role to educate and encourage you to take responsibility for your own health. One of the keys to personal empowerment is an understanding of the different aspects of life that can affect your well-being. Learning how to balance these is an important step in your journey toward health.

- Focus on prevention
The ultimate goal of Naturopathic care is prevention. By encouraging healthy daily habits and assessing personal risk factors and hereditary susceptibility, a Naturopathic Doctor can suggest appropriate interventions to prevent illness. The emphasis is on building health rather than on fighting disease.