Philosphy of Naturopathic Medicine

The philosophy from which naturopathic doctors operate is holistic and is founded on the concept that our bodies have a natural ability to heal themselves. We seek to remove the obstacles to cure and to aid and abet nature’s healing power. Our approach is to follow the Naturopathic Therapeutic Order, seeking to address systemic issues and using the least invasive therapies as possible. When necessary and appropriate, we prescribe conventional pharmaceuticals.

The whole person approach of naturopathic medicine focuses on partnering with patients to create and enhance health. It is effective in positively resolving many disease conditions without additional intervention.

Naturopathic care can be beneficial in an integrated medical framework. We team up with other professionals when that is the best course. Our philosophy and modalities complement the approach and skills of conventionally trained medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, advance practice nurses, chiropractic doctors, licensed acupuncturists and others. We seek to be patient-centered, striving to meet your individual needs.

• The Healing Power of Nature - Naturopathic doctors believe in cooperating with the healing power of nature. They respect the innate intelligence of the human body to heal. The vital force stimulates the physiological systems of the body to bring the organism into balance and equilibrium moving towards a state of optimal health.

• Find and Treat the Cause of Illness – Naturopathic doctors address lifestyle and nutritional factors that cause disease susceptibility. Through tonification of tissues and organs, and supplementation of nutritional deficiencies, naturopathic medicine goes to the source of disease and promotes the true treatment of illness.

• Treat the Whole Person – Naturopathic doctors treat the whole person with individualized treatment. They take into consideration the complex factors of human existence, including lifestyle, diet, nutritional status, environmental toxins, genetic predisposition, and emotional, mental, and spiritual health. 

• Prevention - Naturopathic medicine teaches the benefits of healthy living in order to prevent the development of chronic illness and destructive disease states.

Naturopthic Medical Education

Naturopathic doctors are educated at accredited, four-year, post-graduate naturopathic medical schools. The comprehensive medical training includes studies in basic medical sciences, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory and diagnostic imaging studies, clinical medical sciences, naturopathic philosophy, pharmacology, and a wide variety of natural therapeutics. In order to become licensed practitioners, naturopathic doctors must successfully pass national board exams, first in the basic and clinical medical sciences and then in all of the naturopathic therapeutics.