Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care which is regulated in Ontario. It is an effective, safe and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. Focusing on prevention and using gentle non-invasive natural treatments, naturopathic doctors (NDs) support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathic treatment can complement conventional medical treatment or be used effectively on its own.

The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply suppress symptoms. Each person’s unique physical, mental and emotional state is considered in developing a personalized healthcare plan. The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors which impact on their health.

Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by its unique principles. The following 6 principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice:

1. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix naturae): Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
2. Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam): The naturopathic doctor seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
3. First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic doctors follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
   
   
   • Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;
   • Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms;
   • Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual and with their self-healing process.
4. Doctor As Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic doctors educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
5. Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic doctors treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, spiritual , emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic doctors encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
6. Prevention: Naturopathic doctors emphasize the prevention of disease while assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.