The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic medicine recognizes the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians identify and remove obstacles to recovery to facilitate this healing ability in patients.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
Identify and Treat the Causes
The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.
Prevention
Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors, and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness.
Wellness
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. If wellness is recognized and experienced by an individual, it will more quickly heal a given disease than direct treatment of the disease alone.
Doctor As Teacher
Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.