What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine emphasizes focusing on optimal health through preventative medicine. However, when acute or chronic disease occurs, traditional Naturopathic Physicians/Doctors focus on the treatment of the whole person, and not just their symptoms.

Traditional Naturopathic Physicians/Doctors focus on finding the root cause(s) of disease. And, their treatments involve using natural modalities (see common treatment modalities below) to assist an individual's body in areas of need.

The overall goal is to support a person's body in the heal process through the stimulation of one's own natural healing abilities.

Think of it this way, when you have a cut, your body will heal itself in most cases without you needing to focus on it. This is an automated process within our bodies.

However, when chronic disease occurs, your body can no longer do this on its own. Instead, it establishes a new homeostasis, or new level of existence. This new level of existence is the symptoms of disease that one experiences.

If the root cause of the symptoms isn't corrected in a timely manner, one's health usually becomes worse, while making it more difficult for them to recover.

Now, when traditional Naturopathic Physicians/Doctors treat their patients, they emphasize not to suppress the symptoms of disease, such as when one is prescribed a drug or pharmaceutical, which in many cases only covers up symptoms of disease. Instead, they support one's body through its own natural healing processes.

Once again, keep in mind that suppressing the symptoms of disease often leads to the worsening of one's health, and can give rise to more dangerous chronic diseased conditions.

What is the cause of disease? There are many of them, but in general, they are toxins (physical, emotional, and spiritual), lack of proper nutrients, and suppression of disease. Identifying the obstacles (toxins) and feeding the body properly are great first steps towards healing. As for suppression (usually pharmaceutical-related), it may take time for the body to recover from its effects as healing begins.

Always remember, nothing is more powerful than our own body's ability to heal itself. We just need to get out of its way (stop throwing obstacles at it), while feeding it the right fuels (foods, liquids, etc.), and of course keeping it physically fit.

Now, in some cases, Naturopathic Physicians/Doctors do recognize that treating the symptoms of disease is necessary, such as when one has extreme high blood pressure (hypertension), or some other emergency related condition. Although, this can usually be accomplished initially through integrative medicine, which means through the use of both conventional, as well as Naturopathic medicine.

However, the goal is eventually not to need pharmaceuticals. In my experience, that's what most people really want.

Naturopathic Physicians/Doctors base their practice on six principles:

1. 1. First, Do No Harm
   2. The Healing Power of Nature (or vis medicatrix naturae)
   3. Identify and Treat the Root Cause of Disease
   4. Treat the Whole Person
   5. Doctor as Teacher
   6. Prevention

What are some of the more common treatment modalities that Naturopathic Physicians use?

• Clinical Nutrition  (Therapeutic dietary modifications)
• Botanical Medicine  (Herbs)
• Homeopathy  (energy medicines)
• Hydrotherapy  (using water)
• Acupuncture
• Physical Medicine  (manipulation)
• Lifestyle Counseling

Who may benefit from Naturopathic Medicine?

Practically anyone can benefit from Naturopathic medicine. Remember, Naturopathic medicine emphasizes focusing on the whole person though their diet and their lifestyle, which can be applied to preventative medicine, as well as when chronic disease occurs. For this reason, it can be used to treat practically anyone no matter what condition they may have.

Can I use both Naturopathic Medicine and Conventional Medicine together when needed?

Usually, yes. Naturopathic Physicians/Doctors are licensed physicians, and will work together with you and your conventional doctors.

Can I work with a Naturopathic Physician exclusively, without the use of conventional medicine?

Sure, in many cases, but in some cases it depends on your specific health situation. However, oftentimes, you can achieve your health goals strictly through the use of Naturopathic Medicine.

To further understand Naturopathic Medicine, see my 3 Guiding Principles of Healing.