October 5-11th is Naturopathic Medicine Week!

I’d like to take this opportunity to share what naturopathic medicine means to me and the principles that guide our practice of medicine.  As a naturopathic physician, I am privileged to be invited to be a part of the healing process of the patients I treat.  From the healthy and active, to those recovering from or dealing with health issues, I enjoy working with my patients in their journey towards optimal health.

The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medicine:

• The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Naturopathic physicians recognize the body’s innate healing ability and recommend treatments that support this process.
• Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam): Identify the underlying cause of an illness and address it, instead of merely treating the symptoms.
• First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic physicians recommend treatments that have minimal side effects, are least invasive, and most appropriate for the condition being treated.
• Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic physicians take the time to educate their patients about their health condition so that they can feel empowered in making decisions about their health.
• Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic physicians take into account each individuals physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. These are all equally important in achieving optimal health.
• Prevention: Naturopathic physicians strive to prevent disease by assessing lifestyle factors, family history, environmental exposures, susceptibility to disease.