What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic natural, evidence-based therapy using nutritional/ herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle advice to bring the body back into harmony and balance.
The Australian Natural Therapies Association (ANTA) defines naturopathy as:
A holistic approach to wellness based on the principle that the body has the inherent ability to heal itself. Using the healing power of nature and gentle therapeutic techniques, the body, mind and emotions are supported during the healing process.
THE SIX GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
The Healing Power of Nature
The body has a natural intelligence, its Vital Force, constantly working to restore health and balance to the human system. The physician’s role is to facilitate and enhance this process, to act to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery.
First, Do No Harm
Naturopathic medicine seeks to avoid harm to patients by working with the Vital Force rather than against it, and by using natural healing modalities (eg.herbs, nutrition, lifestyle) that minimize harmful side effects. Therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized.
Identify and Treat the Root Cause
Illness does not occur without cause. Underlying causes of disease must be discovered and removed or treated before a person can recover completely from illness. Symptoms are expressions of the body’s attempt to heal, but are not the cause of disease. Symptoms, therefore, should not be suppressed by treatment. Causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The physician must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels, directing treatment at root causes rather than at symptomatic expression.
Treat the Whole Person
The harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual is essential to recovery from and prevention of disease, and requires a personalized and comprehensive approach to assessment and treatment. Therefore treating the individual on all levels, physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors is essential.
Doctor as a Teacher
Educating and empowering patients is a vital part of health restoration as such the physician is a catalyst for healthful change, empowering and motivating the patient to assume responsibility.
Prevention is the best cure
Preventing serious, chronic disease is far easier than treating it. The core of Naturopathic treatment programs constitutes a holistic, natural lifestyle that will also help prevent illnesses in the future. The emphasis is on building health rather than on fighting disease.