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DEFINITION OF
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
The American
Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) defines
naturopathic medicine is a
distinct system of primary health care - an art, science,
philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention
of illness. Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the
principles that underlie and determine its practice. These
principles are based upon the objective observation of the
nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in
the light of scientific advances. Methods used are consistent
with these principles and are chosen upon the basis of patient
individuality. Naturopathic physicians are primary health care
practitioners, whose diverse techniques include modern and
traditional, scientific and empirical methods.
PRINCIPLES
The following
principles developed by the AANP
are the foundation for the practice of naturopathic medicine:
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis
Medicatrix Naturae)
The healing power of nature is the inherent self-organizing
and healing process of living systems which establishes,
maintains and restores health. Naturopathic medicine recognizes
this healing process to be ordered and intelligent. It is the
naturopathic physician’s role to support, facilitate and
augment this process by identifying and removing obstacles to
health and recovery, and by supporting the creation of a healthy
internal and external environment.
Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle
Causam)
Illness does not occur without cause. Causes may originate in
many areas. Underlying causes of illness and disease must be
identified and removed before complete recovery can occur.
Symptoms can be expressions of the body’s attempt to defend
itself, to adapt and recover, to heal itself, or may be results
of the causes of disease. The naturopathic physician seeks to
treat the causes of disease, rather than to merely eliminate or
suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic physicians follow three precepts to avoid
harming the patient: (1) Naturopathic physicians utilize methods
and medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful
effects, and apply the least possible force or intervention
necessary to diagnose illness and restore health; (2) Whenever
possible the suppression of symptoms is avoided as suppression
generally interferes with the healing process; and (3)
Naturopathic physicians respect and work with the Vis
Medicatrix Naturae in diagnosis, treatment and counseling,
for if this self-healing process is not respected the patient
may be harmed.
Doctor As Teacher (Docere)
The original meaning of the word "doctor" is
teacher. A principal objective of naturopathic medicine is to
educate the patient and emphasize self-responsibility for
health. Naturopathic physicians also recognize and employ the
therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat the Whole Person
Health and disease result from a complex of physical, mental,
emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors.
Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic
physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal
spiritual development. Naturopathic medicine recognizes the
harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual as being
essential to health. The multifactorial nature of health and
disease requires a personalized and comprehensive approach to
diagnosis and treatment. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole
person taking all of these factors into account.
Prevention
Naturopathic medical colleges emphasize the study of health
as well as disease. The prevention of disease and the attainment
of optimal health in patients are primary objectives of
naturopathic medicine. In practice, these objectives are
accomplished through education and the promotion of healthy ways
of living. Naturopathic physicians assess risk factors, heredity
and susceptibility to disease, and make appropriate
interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent
illness. Naturopathic medicine asserts that one cannot be
healthy in an unhealthy environment and is committed to the
creation of a world in which humanity may thrive. |
