What is Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct healing science and philosophy that blends traditional natural therapies with current advances in the study of human health. It is a system of primary health care that uses natural methods and substances to support and stimulate the body’s inherent self-healing process.
Unlike conventional medicine where the primary focus is diagnosis (i.e.: identify which disease a person has and treat the milieu of symptoms the person is having), naturopathic believes (as best said by Sir William Osler) "it is more important to know the sort of person who has the disease than what sort of disease the person has".
We believe the name of the disease is not what we need to know to get well, but rather determine, what is the dysfunction that is impeding the body from healing itself? That is what naturopathic medicine strives to do. Understand the healing process of the body, and then puts the body in the best environment to do so.
What is the environment of total wellness? Seven underlying health sustaining systems of our body must function effectively to ensure our well-being, prevent disease and allow a full life:
1. The immune system
2. The detoxification system
3. The inflammatory system
4. The metabolic system
5. The endocrine/regulatory system
6. The regeneration system
7. Our life-force (or spirit)
Weakness in any of these 7 systems results in susceptibilities that allow most common disease to develop.
The goal of naturopathic practice is to treat any underlying disorders and to restore normal body function by enhancing the body’s own healing abilities. The Naturopathic Doctor views symptoms of disease as warning signals of improper functioning of the body and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Knowing this, you can appreciate why treatments are individualized to each person.

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

The Naturopathic Physician will practice the art, science and spirit of the profession to the best of his/her ability and judgment following these principles of Naturopathic Medicine:

• Primum Non Nocere (First Do No Harm) The Naturopathic Physician shall endevour to first, do no harm; to provide the most effective health care available with least risk to his/her patients at all times.

• Vis Medicatrix Naturae (The Healing Power of Nature) The Naturopathic Physician shall recognize, represent and promote the self healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being.

• Tolle Causum (Treat the Cause) The Naturopathic Physician shall strive to identify and remove the cause of illness rather than eliminate or suppress the symptoms.

• Docere (Doctor as Teacher) The Naturopathic Physician shall educate his/her patients, inspire rational hope and encourage self responsibility for health.

• Treat the Whole Person The Naturopathic Physician shall treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences.

• Health Promotion, the Best Prevention The Naturopathic Physician shall emphasize the condition of health to promote wellness.

The Benefits of Naturopathic Clinics
Naturopathic clinics and medicine stimulate your body's ability to heal itself with the use of natural remedies, bodywork, dietary changes and lifestyle suggestions. Because naturopathic medicine is holistic, you will receive a comprehensive health care program from the doctor, not just a remedy for a specific ailment. This holistic nature of treatment is appealing because it provides education, resources and whole care capabilities to anyone interested in learning how to care for his or her body using natural elements.
Many people seek out naturopathy because they are concerned about the chemical preparations used today for treatment of health issues. You may not want to use prescription drugs and may want to seek out remedies provided by the earth itself. The basic philosophy that the earth has everything you need to be healthy provided in it is the basis of naturopathic medicine, making it appealing to those who prefer a natural form of medicine.
Naturopathic remedies can bring about changes through procedures that are less invasive than many allopathic procedures. For example, you can seek acupuncture and supplemental herbal remedies to help you lose weight if you are obese, or to quit smoking if you are a smoker.

You can treat depression through lifestyle and dietary changes, therapy and herbal medicine instead of going on a prescription drug. Instead of numbing yourself with prescription meds for migraines or chronic pain, a combination of dietary changes, chiropractic alignments and herbal remedies may relieve you of your pain.
Naturopathic remedies may help you sleep better, respond better to stress, handle change better, eat healthier, clear up your skin and overcome fertility or reproductive challenges, all by using natural substances and practices to stimulate your body's ability to heal itself.