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What is a naturopathic medicine?
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Naturopathic Medicine or "Nature
Cure" is a unique system of primary health care, blending ancient healing
modalities with the most current conventional medical knowledge. It is an art, a
science and a philosophy. Naturopathic Medicine is distinguished mostly by its
treatment principles:
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The Healing Power Of
Nature:
Naturopathic Doctors recognize an inherent self-healing
process in a person, which is ordered and intelligent. In practice, we support,
facilitate and assist this process by identifying and removing obstacles to
health, creating both healthy internal and external environments for a person.
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Identify and Treat the Cause:
Naturopathic Medicine strives to discover then remove the
underlying cause of an illness, not just eliminate or suppress symptoms. We
strive to restore function rather than simply replace it.
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First
Do No Harm:
Naturopathic Doctors follow three precepts to avoid
harming an individual.
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The use of methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of
harmful side effects, as well as applying interventions with the least possible
force to restore health.
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The mere suppression of presenting symptoms is avoided as suppression
interferes with the healing process.
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Respecting and working with the inherent self-healing process.
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Treat the Whole Person:
Naturopathic Doctors approach each person by being aware
that they are a complex being of physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual,
biological, environmental and probably other influences. We treat people, not
diseases.
Doctor as a Teacher:
Doctor in Latin means teacher. Naturopathic
Physicians strive to educate and partner with people regarding their health.
There is no split in authority, the person being treated is the consumer and is
ultimately in charge.
Prevention is the Cure:
Naturopathic Medicine is rooted in the education and
promotion of healthy lifestyles. In practice, risk factors, heredity and
susceptibility to disease are assessed followed by appropriate interventions to
prevent illness. Naturopathic Medicine is also committed to the creation of a
healthy world in which all species may thrive.
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