Naturopathic medicine is defined not so much by the tools we use as the principles by which we practice medicine. Following the principles listed below you will find a link to an incredibly well-written and detailed article about naturopathic medicine by two of my mentors in the field.

Principles of medical practice

The healing power of nature. Recognize, support and facilitate the innate capacity of life to heal and return to balance.

Treat the cause. Symptoms are the body’s signals of imbalance. Find and remove obstacles to cure.

First do no harm. Use methods and medicinal substances to minimize risk of harmful effects and use the least possible intervention to diagnose illness and restore health. When pharmaceuticals are required, natural medicines can help minimize dose and side effects.

Prevention is the best cure.

Assess and heal the whole person through individualized treatment. Address the multifactorial contributions to health and disease.

Doctor as teacher. The origin of the word doctor means to teach. Educate the patient in personal wellness and encourage responsibility for creating and maintaining health.

A wonderful article by two of my colleagues and mentors in naturopathic medicine can be found at the following site:

http://www.healingmountainpublishing.com/articles/NPmedicine.html