Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is the practice of utilizing non-toxic therapeutics in treating and preventing illness. Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine are trained in evidence-based natural medicine. Naturopathic doctors treat the cause of disease without relying on the use of drugs or surgery. A number of modalities are employed in treatment, including dietary and lifestyle changes, clinical nutrition and the use of intravenous or injection therapies, homeopathic and botanical medicines (herbal medicine). Naturopathic doctors are also trained in the most recent research to better equip them in treating patients.
Licensed naturopathic doctors have completed a pre-medical science background in undergraduate studies followed by four years of training at an accredited Naturopathic Medical School. After completion of their studies naturopathic doctors must complete a rigorous schedule of medical board exams that are standardized across North America. The regulatory body in BC is the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC.
It is the principles of naturopathic medicine that distinguish them from other disciplines of healthcare:
- Primum No Nocere – First Do No Harm
Naturopathic doctors seek to do no harm with medical treatment(s) by employing safe and effective natural therapies. - Vis Medicatrix Naturale – Nature Has Healing Powers
The body has an innate ability to heal itself and it is the role of the naturopathic doctor to recognize, facilitate and enhance this process with the aid of nontoxic natural therapies. - Tolle Causam – Identify and Treat The Cause
Naturopathic physicians are trained in seeking the underlying cause of disease rather than to treat symptoms. Symptoms are considered as an expression of the body’s attempt to heal itself and therefore employing treatments to suppress symptoms may interfere with the body’s healing ability. The causes can originate from the physical, mental-emotional or spiritual levels. - Tolle Tottum – Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic Doctors view the patient as a whole person, comprised of a complex set of physical, mental-emotional, spiritual and other factors. - Docere – The Physician as a Teacher
Naturopathic physicians are teachers, educating, empowering and motivating patients to assume personal responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy attitude, lifestyle and diet. - Prevention is the best cure
Naturopathic physicians excel in this arena. Prevention is achieved through education and encouraging patients to adopt habits that support health. - Establish health and wellness
The primary goal for naturopathic doctors is to establish and sustain an optimal level of health. The naturopathic doctors are continually striving to increase the patient’s level of health, regardless of the level of health or disease. Even in the case of severe advanced disease, a high level of wellness can often be achieved.