Naturopathic physicians are graduates of a four-year
accredited medical program and are trained as primary
care physicians. The first two years of the curriculum
are focused on the basic sciences of the body. The other
half of the curriculum is patient-based clinical training
with an emphasis on clinical and physical diagnosis,
diagnostic imaging, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine,
homeopathy, naturopathic manipulative therapies and
counseling. All of our therapeutic methods are used
to restore normal function to the body. Naturopathic
physicians pass a national exam before beginning practice.
Naturopathic medicine is based on the following six
principles:
1. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix
Naturae)
It is the naturopathic physician’s role to support,
facilitate and augment the body’s inherent ability
to heal itself; to identify and remove obstacles to
health and recovery; and to support the creation of
a healthy internal and external environment.
2. Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle
Causam)
The naturopathic physician seeks to treat the causes
of disease, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress
symptoms.
3. First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic physicians utilize methods and medicinal
substances that minimize the risk of harmful effects
and apply the least possible force or intervention
necessary to diagnose illness and restore health.
4. Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
A principle objective of naturopathic medicine is
to educate the patient and emphasize self-responsibility
for health.
5. Treat the Whole Person
The multi-factorial nature of health and disease requires
a personalized and comprehensive approach to diagnosis
and treatment. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole
person taking all of these factors into account.
6. Prevention
The prevention of disease and the attainment of optimal
health in patients are primary objectives of naturopathic
medicine. Naturopathic physicians assess risk factors,
heredity and susceptibility to disease, and make appropriate
interventions in partnership with their patients to
prevent illness.
At Healthydaes Naturopathic Medical Center we put
the principles in practice as we treat each patient.
This creates a special environment where each patient
knows we are treating the underlying cause to create
optimal health and wellness for every person who enters
our doors.
