The Unique Approach of Naturopathic Medicine Part 1: The Six Guiding Principles
Have you asked yourself what sets naturopathic medicine apart from other healing modalities? It's not just about switching pharmaceutical medicines to natural ones. Naturopathic medicine is a unique approach that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. In these articles, I'll guide you through the six guiding principles of naturopathic medicine:
Not harming.
Trusting in a person's innate ability to heal.
Finding and addressing obstacles to healing.
Helping people understand how to support their natural ability to heal.
Treating each person as a whole and unique individual, and when possible.
Preventing disease before it begins.
Naturopathic physicians strive to identify and address the root causes of illness, providing individualized care tailored to each person's unique needs and circumstances. Utilizing the best evidence-based medicine, naturopathic physicians adjust and offer alternatives to those who don't respond to traditional approaches. By taking a proactive approach to health and focusing on prevention, naturopathic physicians can help you avoid illness and achieve optimal well-being. Let me guide you through the unique benefits of naturopathic medicine and help you decide to add us to your healthcare team.
First Do No Harm:
It's worth noting that the guiding principle of "First, do no harm" is not unique to naturopathic physicians. It's part of the Hippocratic oath that all doctors take. However, this principle is still fundamental to the practice of naturopathic medicine. In addition to avoiding harm, naturopathic physicians strive to help their patients heal in the most non-invasive ways possible. Not harming involves identifying and addressing underlying causes of illness rather than simply treating symptoms. Sometimes, this may mean a pharmaceutical medication instead of a natural substance. How we interact with our patients and acknowledge the genuine potential of medical trauma is also a part of doing no harm.
Trust in the Healing Power of Nature:
It's incredible how our bodies can heal from minor injuries or illnesses like cuts or the common cold. As a naturopathic physician, I trust the body's innate healing ability. Our bodies are incredibly complex, and we are still learning how they function. Sometimes, providing support through nourishment, comfort, and rest is the best treatment while the body heals itself. However, there are times when the body needs more assistance, and that's where a naturopathic physician can help by recognizing the differences and providing individualized treatment accordingly.
Treat the Cause:
Finding and addressing obstacles to healing is another fundamental principle of naturopathic medicine. Rather than simply treating symptoms, naturopathic physicians aim to identify and address the underlying causes of illness. Finding these causes may involve looking at a person's nourishment, lifestyle, emotional state, environmental factors, social supports, living situation, genetics, and more to determine what may contribute to their health concerns. By addressing these root causes, naturopathic physicians can help patients achieve lasting and sustainable healing.
Doctor as Teacher:
As a naturopathic physician, one of my most important roles is helping people understand how to harness their innate ability to heal. A large part of this is being available and willing to answer questions, educating people on how their body works, and how their symptoms communicate what they need. The next step is providing patients with the tools to care for themselves as much as possible. While I enjoy seeing patients, I hope that over time, you will need to see me less often.
Treat the Whole Person:
Many of us are well aware that each person is unique. However, in the medical world, standardized care is often the norm. While this approach may work well for some people, it may only be effective for some. As a naturopathic physician, I have access to a more extensive toolbox of treatment options. I can utilize the best evidence-based medicine, make adjustments, and provide alternatives for those who do not respond or cannot access those options. I can provide individualized care tailored to each person's unique needs and circumstances.
Prevention:
Preventive care is an essential aspect of naturopathic medicine. As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Naturopathic physicians strive to help patients maintain optimal health by identifying and addressing potential risks for disease before they become a problem. Prevention may involve screening for health conditions, assessing lifestyle factors, and providing guidance on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other aspects of self-care. By taking a proactive approach to health, naturopathic physicians can help their patients avoid illness and achieve optimal well-being. When possible, prevent disease before it begins.
In conclusion, naturopathic medicine is a unique approach that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. The six guiding principles of naturopathic medicine serve as a foundation for the individualized care that naturopathic physicians provide. By identifying and addressing the root causes of illness, providing education and guidance, and focusing on prevention, naturopathic physicians can help you achieve optimal health and well-being. This article has provided a better understanding of the benefits of naturopathic medicine. If you have any questions or want to explore naturopathic medicine further, please don't hesitate to reach out.
This article was written with the assistance of Grammarly.
