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First Do No Harm
Primum non nocere |
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Nature acts powerfully through healing mechanisms
in the body and mind to maintain and restore health.
Naturopathic physicians work to support these inherent
healing systems when they have broken down by using
methods, medicines and techniques that are in harmony
with natural processes. |
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The Healing Power of
Nature Vis
medicatrix naturae |
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Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments
which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects.
They are trained to know which patients they can
treat safely and which they need to refer to other
health care practitioners. |
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Find the Cause
Tolle Causam |
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Every illness has an underlying cause, often in
aspects of the lifestyle, diet or habits of the
individual. Naturopathic Physicians are trained
to find and remove the underlying cause of a disease.
Symptoms are expressions of the body's attempt to
heal, they are not the cause of disease and therefore
should not be suppressed by treatment. Underlying
causes of disease must be discovered and treated
before a person can recover completely from illness. |
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Treat the Whole Person
Tolle totum |
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Health or disease comes from a complex interaction
of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental,
lifestyle, and other factors. Naturopathic physicians
treat the whole person, taking these factors into
account. |
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Doctor as Teacher
Docere |
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The original meaning of the word "doctor"
is teacher. A principle objective of naturopathic
medicine is to educate the patient, emphasizing
prevention and self-responsibility for health. Naturopathic
Physicians also recognize and employ the therapeutic
potential of the doctor-patient relationship. |
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