The 6 Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is guided by a body of six principles which determine its foundation of practice.

Vis Medicatrix Naturae ~ The Healing Power of Nature

Respect the inherent intelligence and order of nature’s healing process.
A naturopathic practitioner will facilitate and strengthen the healing process by recognising and removing internal and external factors that pose as obstructions.


Tolle Causam ~ Identify and Treat the Cause

Identify, treat and remove the cause of illness.
A naturopathic practitioner’s role is to remove the cause of illness and not merely suppress the presenting symptoms.

 

Primum Non Nocere ~ Do No Harm

Simply put, do no harm.
Naturopathic practitioner’s role is to treat the patient with the least force necessary.


Docere ~ Doctor as Teacher

Docere is the Latin word for teacher.
A naturopathic practitioner’s role is to educate and encourage the patient the importance of self- responsibility for health.


Tolle Totem ~ Treat the Person as a Whole

Total health considers physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual and many other factors.
A naturopathic practitioner treats the patients as a whole by taking into account all external and internal factors that determine health.


Previnir ~ Prevention

Naturopathic medicine guides its practice by the principle that prevention of disease is the best way to prevent illness. 
A naturopathic practitioner’s role is to assess and treat risk factors to prevent illness.