Our Philosophy
As Naturopathic Doctors, it is our philosophy to treat the whole person not just the presenting symptoms. As we treat the patient, we are focusing on treating all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual using safe, effecitve and non-invasive therapies. The basis of our philosophy is to treat according to our six foundational principles:
First Do No Harm (Primum non nocere)
Naturopathic doctors utilize therapies that minimize the risk of side
effects and apply the least force possible in order to promote the innate
ability for the patient to heal themselves. Whenever possible,
suppression of symptoms is avoided as suppression interferes with the
healing process.
Treat Using the Healing Powers of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
The healing power of nature is the inherent healing process every living
being possesses to help establish, maintain and restore health.
Naturopaths respect and support this process by removing obstacles to
cure in order to create as healthy internal and external environment.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
The physicians role is to educate and encourage the patient to take
responsibility over his or her health in order to promote changes that last
a lifetime. The physician acts only as a mediator for change but it is the
patient that must make the changes in order to see results.
Identify and Remove the Cause of Illness (Tolle Causum)
Underlying causes of illness must be removed in order to promote
proper recovery. Symptoms expressed are only signs that the body is
attempting to heal. Therefore, these symptoms should not be
suppressed but used to determine the root cause of disease.
Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)
Every patient is individual and the causes of disease are made up of a
complex interaction of many factors. Health and disease are conditions
that make up the whole person. It is the physicians job to determine
which factors; physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual that requires
more attention in order to promote a successful recovery.
Emphasize Well-Being and Prevent Disease Before it Starts (Health Promotion and Prevention)
The ultimate goal of naturopathic medicine is to prevent disease before
its starts. Naturopaths are trained to assess risk factors and use
appropriate interventions to prevent progession of disease early on.
Through education and promotion of healthy life-style habits, patients
can easily avoid further harm and create a strong environment to
prevent illness.
