What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a unique form of primary health care that combines modern scientific understanding with traditional and natural healing practices. It centres on the idea of the body’s innate ability to heal itself and addressing the root cause(s) of illness. This approach includes various natural therapies such as botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, as well as lifestyle counselling, health promotion, and disease prevention.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

1. First, Do No Harm (Primum non nocere):

We choose treatments that are the least invasive to minimize the risk of harmful effects, with safety as the highest priority.

2. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis medicatrix naturae):

Humans have an inherent, intelligent healing system organized to maintain and restore health. As a Naturopathic Doctor, my role is to remove internal and external obstacles to help optimize natural healing.

3. Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle causam):

Illness and disease have a root cause(s), and symptoms manifest as the body navigates illness/disease. Through Naturopathic Medicine, we address the underlying root cause(s) and treat the symptoms to support the patient’s full recovery.

4. Doctor as Teacher (Docere):

Doctor comes from the Latin word for “teacher.” My emphasis is on educating and empowering patients to be engaged in their health journey to enhance their connection with the healing process.

5. Treat the Whole Person (Tolle totum):

I offer individualized treatments for every patient. We are complex and unique beings. To find harmony between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health – we must address all the aspects that make you, you.

6. Prevention (Praevenic):

I promote healthy life habits and work with my patients to find the best solutions to help them maintain optimal health. Together, we work on a preventative approach to health obstacles.