The Principles of Naturapathic Medicine

The Healing Power of Nature

• Support the person’s own natural healing abilities.
• Utilize the healing abilities of nature’s therapies.

First Do No Harm

• Utilize the least invasive, least toxic methods possible in every case.
• Acknowledge and address obstacles to cure in the patient’s life.

Find the Cause

• Investigate underlying causative factors contributing to each person’s disease.
• Consider all levels of the person’s life.
• Listen well!! People will tell you what is wrong with them if you listen long and well.

Treat the Whole Person

• Work Holistically addressing the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual aspects of this person.
• Consider how the relationship, family, community, and cultural aspects of the person are involved in their illness. How they can be harnessed for promoting their health and wholeness?
• How does the person view their illness? Can they picture themselves in wholeness or wellness?
• Is referral to another type of health care practitioner best for this patient

Preventative Medicine

• Recognize and alter or counter disease-promoting factors. Promote healthy attitudes and habits.
• Schedule appropriate screening examinations.

Wellness

• Encourage the cultivation of wellness in every patient’s life.
• "Wellness" and "Healing" are not the same as a "Cure." Strive for cure, but promote wellness and healing, even when cure is not possible.

Doctor as Teacher

• Docere ("Doctor") means Teacher. Educate patients on a health promoting lifestyle, diet, and attitude.
• Respect the doctor-patient relationship as a partnership, with each taking a certain level of responsibility. Empower the patient to take control of their own health and wellness.
• The teacher must never stop learning. We learn from reading, other practitioners and mostly we learn from every patient we have the privilege to meet.