The Seven Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

1. The Healing Power of Nature — Vis Medicatrix Naturae

Naturopathic medicine recognizes the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians identify and remove obstacles to recovery to facilitate this healing ability in patients.

2. Identify and Treat the Causes — Tolle Causam

The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.

3. First Do No Harm — Primum Non Nocere

Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient:

1. Use methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects;

2. Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms;

3. Acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.

4. Doctor as Teacher — Docere

Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.

5. Treat the Whole Person

Naturopathic physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path.

6. Prevention

Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.

7. Wellness and Spiritual Development

Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, regardless of disease(s). If wellness is recognized and experienced by an individual, it will more quickly heal a given disease than direct treatment of the disease alone.

All human beings have spiritual needs and abilities. Spiritual development is essential to get through the obstacles of life without harm.

Balance is a natural principle, that is indispensable for the health of mind, body and soul.