What is Naturopathy?

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine emphasizes disease prevention and promotes optimal health through natural therapeutics, education and empowerment of the patient. Naturopathic medicine encourages the body's innate self-healing process called the "vis medicatrix naturae" by blending centuries-old knowledge of natural therapies and the deep understanding of the intricate workings within the body. The scope of practice of Naturopathic Medicine is appropriate for all aspects of family care from pediatrics to geriatrics. It also addresses a wide variety of patient concerns from healthy-lifestyle and prevention to acute and chronic diseases.

The principles that guide Naturopathic Medicine are:

·      First Do No Harm - primum non nocere

Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.

·      The Healing Power of Nature - vis medicatrix naturae

The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.

·      Discover and Treat the Cause - tolle causam

Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.

·      Treat the Whole Person - tolle totum

The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs.

·      The Physician is a Teacher - docere

The physician's major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health.

Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.

·      Prevention is the best "cure"

Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine experts. Physicians assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.

For more information about Naturopathic medicine visit:

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at: www.naturopathic.org

Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association at: www.AZNMA.org

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine at: www.scnm.edu