The Principals of Naturopathic Medicine

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) - Nature acts powerfully through healing mechanisms in the body and mind to maintain and restore health.  Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support these inherent healing systems which they have broken down by using methods, medicines, and techniques that are in harmony with natural processes.

First Do No Harm (Primum non nocere) - 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 ones they need to refer to other health care practitioners. 

Find the Cause (Tolle causam) - Every illness has an underlying cause, often in aspects of the lifestyle, diet, or habits of the individual.  A Naturopathic physician is trained to find and to help the individual remove the underlying cause of the disease.  

Treat the Whole Person - Health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, mental, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and other factors.  Naturopathic physicians can treat the whole person, taking these factors into account. 

Preventative Medicine - The naturopathic approach to healthcare can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative diseases.  Patients are taught the principles with which to live a healthy life.  By following these principles they can prevent major illnesses. 

The Naturopathic Physician

Naturopathic physicians (NDs) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine.  Naturopathic medicine is effective in treating most health problems, whether acute or chronic.  Naturopathic physicians treat disease and restore health using therapies from the sciences of clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, exercise therapy, counseling, Bach flower remedies, laboratory testing, gynecological exams, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, allergy testing, and other diagnostic tests.  They cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.  Naturopathic physicians work with each person as an individual and design a treatment program to address their specific needs, acknowledging the importance of the patient as a participant in his or her own health. 

As a distinct American healthcare profession, natural medicine is almost 100 years old.  Its roots go back through medical history to the healing wisdom of many cultures and times.  The first naturopathic medical societies were formed at the turn of the century, with more than 10,000 practitioners attending naturopathic conventions in the 1920's.  Naturopathic medicine has experienced a resurgence in the last two decades as a health-conscious public seeks to be educated and in control of their own health and well-being. 

The naturopathic physician has a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree from a four-year, graduate-level, naturopathic medical college.  In states where they are regulated, natural physicians must pass a state-level board examination, and their actions are subject to review by a State Board of examiners.  Connecticut has licensed, naturopathic physicians for over thirty years.