1. First Do No Harm:
Naturopathic doctors follow three guidelines to avoid harming patients:
1. Utilize methods and medicinal substances that minimize risks of side effects, using the least force needed to diagnose and treat.
2. Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms.
3. Acknowledge and work with the individual’s self-healing process.
2. The Healing Power of Nature – Vis Medicatrix Naturae:
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent healing process in the person that is ordered and intelligent. The body is capable of healing itself. The role of the naturopathic doctor is to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to facilitate and augment this inherent natural tendency of the body.
Identify and Treat the Cause:
Naturopathic doctors seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, not merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
Doctor as Teacher – Docere:
Naturopathic doctors recall that the origin of the word “doctor” is the Latin word, “to teach.” A fundamental emphasis in naturopathic medicine is patient education.
Identify and Treat the Cause – Tolle Causam:
Naturopathic doctors attempt to take into consideration all the factors that make up patients’ lives and affect their health and well-being, and treat the underlying problem not just symptoms.
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 medicine emphasizes the prevention of disease, assesses risk factors, and makes appropriate interventions with patients to prevent illness.