Giving Compass' Take:
- The Institute for Natural Medicine presents the six guiding principles of naturopathic medicine, explaining how they come together to support whole-person health.
- How does patient-centered care empower patients to actively participate in their treatment? What are the advantages of combining insights from natural therapies with modern medical science?
- Learn more about key issues in health and how you can help.
- Search our Guide to Good for nonprofits focused on health in your area.
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Naturopathic medicine views health as a dynamic balance of body, mind, and spirit. Recognizing that physical symptoms often stem from deeper genetic, emotional, environmental, and lifestyle-related influences, naturopathic providers follow a thoughtful, step-by-step method. The process begins by uncovering and addressing root causes of illness. NDs promote recovery, incorporating the least invasive therapies with the lowest risk, as outlined in the principles of naturopathic medicine.
At the heart of this approach are six principles of naturopathic medicine that guide all aspects of patient care. Together, these principles form a patient-centered model that empowers people to take an active role in their long-term health and healing.
The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
First Do No Harm (primum non nocere)
Naturopathic doctors adhere to three philosophies that safeguard patients’ well-being as part of the principles of naturopathic medicine:
- Employing methods and therapies that minimize the potential for adverse effects, choosing the gentlest approaches necessary for diagnosis and treatment
- Steering clear of detrimental symptom suppression when feasible
- Recognizing and harnessing intrinsic self-healing mechanisms
The Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrix naturae)
Naturopathic medicine values the uniqueness of every person and tailors treatment plans to the specific needs, preferences, and circumstances of each patient. NDs use nature’s healing powers to remove obstacles to recovery, restore balance, and support inherent and natural recuperative processes.1
Identify and Treat the Causes (tolle causam)
Naturopathic doctors seek to identify and address the underlying causes of illness while managing and eliminating symptoms, according to the principles of naturopathic medicine. Multiple factors may contribute. To initiate the healing process, these factors or “contributors” must be identified and resolved. NDs help patients harness good health from the inside out by pinpointing the reasons for sickness and disease.
Doctor as Teacher (docere)
Patient education is a central part of naturopathic practice, as explained by the principles of naturopathic medicine. NDs decode the diagnostic and healing processes, empowering patients to make informed health choices. With the right tools and understanding, patients can actively participate in their own health care.
Treat the Whole Person (tolle totum)
Because health and disease are multifactorial, naturopathic doctors take a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. Rooted in the principles of naturopathic medicine, NDs treat the individual, taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. NDs also encourage patients to pursue personal and spiritual development to optimize their health.2
Footnotes
- Kaufman JA. Nature, mind, and medicine: a model for mind-body healing. Explore (NY). 2018 Jul-Aug;14(4):268-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2018.01.001
- Fleming SA, Gutknecht NC. Naturopathy and the primary care practice. Prim Care. 2010 Mar;37(1):119-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pop.2009.09.002
Read the full article about the six principles of naturopathic medicine at Institute for Natural Medicine.