What Is Naturopathic Medicine?

Written By Dr. Thomas S. Lee, NMD, APH |

“Natural methods of treatment are the most effective and appropriate, but avoiding disease and injury are always the wisest course”.

Naturopathic medicine is both an art and a science, practiced by physicians who are trained to understand and use principles of naturopathy to maintain or restore optimal health in their patients. These principles are taught in unique medical schools with methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. As all medical professions have embraced modern tools and procedures, naturopathic medicine extends into modern clinical sciences, devices and technologies. Naturopathy today is not limited to certain modalities and medicines, any more than other professions are limited to the resources of centuries past.

Naturopathic physicians apply six ancient principles to each patient’s unique condition. While other philosophies of health and heal

I.  First Do No Harm: Primum No Nocere

Seek to utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies first. For this, naturopathy makes use of a giant tool chest of natural foods and medicines.

II. The Healing Power of Nature: Vis Mediatrix Naturae

The physician trusts in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself, and knows that the healing process is ordered and intelligent. The physician facilitates healing by removing obstacles to health and by supporting the needed nutrition and elimination to restore balance.

III. Identify and Treat the Cause: Tolle Causam

Illness does not occur without cause. Symptoms are not the cause of disease, they are its indicators. Symptoms, therefore, must not be suppressed by treatment. They may be relieved to assist comfort, but restoring health requires treatment of the underlying cause.

IV. Heal the Whole Person: Tolle Totum

Complete health includes physical, emotional, mental, environmental, spiritual, and many other complex factors. Achieving personal health goals will build success into the future of both doctor and patient.

V. The Physician as Teacher: Docere

The physician educates and encourages people to take responsibility for their own health. Teaching the principles for a healthy life is definitive for a doctor of any medical philosophy.

VI. Prevention: Preoccupo est optimus

A system of health care must first prevent or avoid disease and injury. Natural methods of treatment are the most effective and appropriate, but avoiding disease and injury are always the wisest course.

What Treatments Do Naturopathic Physicians Use?

• Herbal and Homeopathic medicines

• Clinical nutrition and dietary modifications

• Indigenous medical arts of China, India, old Europe, and early America when clinically sound

• Physical medicine such as massage, manipulation, bodywork, exercise and hydrotherapy

• Counseling, Guidance, Grieving support

• Managing or transitioning pharmaceutical use

Where to Access Modern Naturopathic Medicine

Presently there are 16 states, two territories and four Canadian provinces that license naturopathic medicine in some form. Nevada currently does not license naturopathic physicians. The Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners is proposing legislation to more accurately describe modern natural medicine, however.

Treat yourself to the best natural medical care you can find. You will be glad you did.

References:

1. http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=57

2. http://www.aznma.org/

3. http://www.naturodoc.com/cardinal/naturopathy/nat_principles.htm

4. http://www.nvbhme.com/staff.html

For more info, contact Dr. Lee at Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa at (775) 853-6600 or visit online at www.steamboatsprings.org.