Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that combines centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in modern health care. The medicine is both an art and a science, focusing on whole-patient wellness.
Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of a patient’s condition, rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic treatment is tailored to the individual and emphasizes prevention and self-care.
The therapies available include dietary and lifestyle counseling, botanical or herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, vitamin and nutrient supplementation, hydrotherapy, and physical medicine including massage and craniosacral therapies. Naturopathic doctors work with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to medical doctors, specialists, and other practitioners when appropriate. For more information about the health conditions we treat, check out our Conditions Treated page.
The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is founded on the following six philosophic principles:
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First Do No Harm.
Naturopaths use therapies that are minimally invasive and minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat.
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The Healing Power of Nature.
Naturopaths recognize that the body has inherent wisdom. Given the right tools and facilitation of the healing process, the body can return to health.
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Identify and Treat the Cause.
Naturopaths seek to identify and remove all obstacles to healing, rather than palliate or suppress symptoms.
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Doctor as Teacher.
The primary goal of a naturopath is to practice, teach and inspire patients to take responsibility for their health and encourage healthy lifestyle choices that will become the foundation of life-long wellness.
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Treat the Whole Person.
Naturopaths believe in whole-patient health, supporting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of every patient.
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Prevention.
The naturopathic approach emphasizes prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity, and susceptibility of disease, and encouraging appropriate interventions that support life-long health.
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