What Is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is considered a system of primary health care incorporating the art and science of both modern and traditional medicine. Naturopathic doctors (N.Ds) practice diagnosis, treatment and prevention of many illnesses. N.Ds have at least 8 years of postgraduate education (4 year University Bachelor Degree required to enter the 4 year Naturopathic Doctor program). For a Naturopathic doctor to become licensed in Ontario, they must successfully complete 2 levels of North American Medical Board Exams (NPLEX) and Ontario provincial board examinations. N.Ds then must register with the Ontario regulatory board known as The Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy (http://www.bddtn.on.ca/).
Naturopathic doctors practice the following principles:
NATUROPATHIC PRINCIPLES:
1) First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere):
Use of safe, non-invasive, effective diagnostic and treatment methods to minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
2) The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae):
The belief that our bodies have the ability to heal themselves by identifying and removing any obstacles in the healing process. We put back into the body what it needs to help stimulate it’s own healing and rejuvenation.
3) Identify & Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam):
Determine and treat the underlying cause of the illness rather than simply managing or suppressing the symptoms. Ripping out a weed from it’s roots will insure it won’t grow back again rather than just going over it with a lawn mower!
4) Doctor as Teacher (Docere):
We time to educate our patients about their health and treatment plans. We encourage self-responsibility and self-involvement in their health.
5) Treat the Whole Person:
Every patient is unique and requires individualized treatment plans. No two headaches are alike! Treating the cause of your health concern takes into account not only your physical symptoms, but also mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual and other factors.
6) Disease Prevention & Health Promotion:
We emphasize healthy daily habits to promote health and prevent illness. We assess risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease to reduce the risk of disease.
