A naturopathic medicine treatment plan incorporates a number of therapeutic techniques selected on the basis of patient individuality. Treatment plans are guided by five principles to which all naturopathic doctors have committed.
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About Naturopathy Principles
About Naturopathy Principles
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Do No Harm
Do No Harm
Naturopathic doctors draw on a wide range of therapeutic practices and administer treatments that are safe and non-toxic. Extra precaution is taken to avoid suppression of symptoms, where possible, and to implement the least invasive means available in approaching treatment.
Address the Root Cause of Disease
Address the Root Cause of Disease
In naturopathic medicine, symptoms are considered expressions of the disease process. The underlying causes of the disease must be identified and addressed in order to achieve maximum recovery and to optimize health.
Co-operate with the Healing Powers of Nature
Co-operate with the Healing Powers of Nature
The healing powers of nature include, among other things, supporting the action of the body's own immune system, addressing obstacles to health (e.g., lifestyles or attitudes that may interfere with recovery) and avoiding toxic or unnecessarily aggressive treatments that may further weaken the body.
Heal the Whole Person Through Individualized Treatment
Heal the Whole Person Through Individualized Treatment
Total health involves mental, emotional, physical and spiritual spheres. Similarly, a person's various health concerns must be evaluated as parts of a whole rather than as seperate entities. For example, a person suffering from repeated infection from decreased immunity owing to stress needs to have both his/her immune system (i.e., body) and stress coping mechanisms (i.e., mind) addressed to facilitate lasting health. This person's treatment plan would differ from that of another person who also suffers from repeated infections, but has poor nutrition or some other primary health condition. The key is to address the health concerns on every level that they present themselves and to offer a person a treatment plan that addresses his/her unique health condition and that suits his/her lifestyle.
Teach the Principles of Healthy Living & Preventative Medicine
Teach the Principles of Healthy Living & Preventative Medicine
A principle objective of naturopathic medicine is to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to practice prevention and to take responsibility for their own health.