Naturopathic Medicine

It uses the strong connection between mind and body as a means for treating the whole person, not just individual symptoms. NDs cooperate with all other branches of medical science, and will refer patients to other practitioners when appropriate.

It can be used in conjunction with conventional western medicine. Often it is a balance between the two that one needs in order to feel well.

Naturopathic medicine is based on the following principles:

The Healing Power of Nature
The body has the inherent ability to heal itself and to restore health, as well as ward off disease. The physician's role is to facilitate and help this process.

First Do No Harm
The physician must be mindful of consequences or side effects of treatment. The more gentle the therapy, the less disruptive it is to the patient on the whole.

Identify and Treat the Cause
Symptoms are signals that the body is out of balance. When only symptoms are treated, the underlying cause remains. Treating the cause can prevent more serious, chronic conditions.

Doctor as Teacher
The physician is a facilitator in the healing process with responsibility to educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. This relationship has inherent therapeutic value.

Treat the Whole Person
We look at mental and emotional, as well as physical, symptoms in treating patients. Environmental, genetic and social factors are also taken into consideration.

Prevention
Health is a reflection of how we choose to live. The physician helps patients recognize how their choices affect health, assesses hereditary risk factors, and makes appropriate interventions to prevent illness.