What is Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic, proactive approach to health and wellness.

Rather than merely treating symptoms, it emphasizes prevention and encourages the body's innate healing abilities. Naturopathic doctors view patients as whole people and strive to uncover the underlying causes of illness. Patients play an active role in their own care through personalized treatment plans.

A naturopathic treatment regimen may incorporate natural therapies such as dietary modifications, lifestyle counseling, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and physical medicine. While naturopathic practices are rooted in centuries-old natural healing wisdom, modern naturopathic physicians also closely follow evidence-based science.

The core principles that guide naturopathic medicine include:

  • The Healing Power of Nature: Naturopathic doctors trust the body's inherent intelligence and ability to heal itself. Their role is to remove obstacles and facilitate this natural process.
  • Identify and Treat Causes: Rather than just suppressing symptoms, naturopathic doctors seek to uncover and address the underlying triggers of illness.
  • Do No Harm: Naturopathic protocols utilize the most gentle and least invasive therapies to avoid harmful side effects. Treatment plans respect the individual's healing process.
  • Doctor as Teacher: Patient education and empowerment are vital. Naturopathic doctors view the doctor-patient relationship itself as having therapeutic value.
  • Treat the Whole Person: Beyond just physical factors, naturopaths consider the mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social influences on health.
  • Prevention: Assessing risk factors and inherited predispositions allows naturopaths to head off disease before it occurs through proactive lifestyle adjustments.

By upholding these principles, naturopathic medicine promotes true healing and a lifetime of vibrant wellness.