Naturopathic Medicine’s Four Foundational Principles

Published By Dr. Mark Rudderham on May 19, 2010

Naturopathic Medicine (by Dr. Mark Rudderham)

The following principles are the foundation that naturopathic medical practice is built upon:

The Healing Power of Nature. Vis Medicatrix Naturae Nature acts powerfully through the healing mechanisms in the body and mind to maintain and restore health. Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support these inherent healing systems when they have broken down, by using methods, medicines and techniques that are in harmony with natural processes.

First Do No Harm. Primum non nocere Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize side-effects. They are trained to know which patients they can treat safely and which ones they need to refer to other health care practitioners.

Find the Cause. Tolle Causam Every illness has an underlying cause, often in aspects of the lifestyle, diet or habits of the individual. A Naturopathic Physician is trained to find and remove the underlying cause of a disease.

Treat the Whole Person. Health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic Physicians treat the whole person, taking these factors into account.

Preventive Medicine. The Naturopathic approach to health care can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative diseases. Patients are taught the principles with which to live a healthy life; by following these principles they can prevent major illnesses.

Naturopathic Medicine’s Four Foundational Principles

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