The basic principles of Naturopathy
Primum non nocere - First do no harm
Naturopathic treatments are designed to support the body and
gently assist it towards optimal health. Naturopathic philosophy
regards illness as a purposeful process of the organism, which
requires all therapeutic to be complementary to, and synergistic
with, this healing process.
Vis medicatrix naturae - The
healing power of Nature
Naturopaths believe that Nature heals through the response of
the life force. Natural remedies and treatment are therefore
prescribed to maintain and restore health. Interventions are
applied in co-operative partnership with the patient.
Tolle causam - Identify and treat
the cause
Naturopaths maintain that illness does not occur without a cause.
Symptoms are regarded as expressions of the body's attempt to
heal, but are not perceived as the cause of disease. Practitioners
focus on finding the underlying causes of disease and removing
obstacles to health and recovery in order to facilitate and
augment the inherent healing process.
Tolle totum - Treat the whole
person
Naturopathy recognizes the integrity of the whole person and
takes into account the multifactorial aspects that lead to manifestation
of ill health. The complex interaction of physical, mental,
spiritual, emotional, genetic, social and environmental factors
are all taken into account in the formulation of specific, holistic
treatment plans that ensure each person is treated according
to his or her own unique set of symptoms and reactions.
Docere - The physician as teacher
Combined with accurate diagnosis and appropriate prescription,
the naturopathic practitioner focuses on educating and empowering
the patient to participate in, and take responsibility for,
their own healing process.
Preoccupo est optimus remedium
- Prevention is the best cure
Naturopaths assesses risk factors and hereditary susceptibility
to disease and make appropriate interventions to avoid further
harm and risk to the patient. The naturopathic emphasis is fundamentally
on building health, rather than fighting disease.
HEALTH IS FREEDOM
