Naturopathic medicine (also called natural medicine) is a primary health care system founded on the honored medical principal that nature heals. Our bodies have the inherent ability to maintain and restore health. The natural physician’s role is to support this endeavor using remedies and techniques that are in harmony with natural processes.
Natural physicians prefer non-invasive treatments, which minimize the risks of harmful side effects. Health or diseases come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, enviromental, lifestyle, and other factors. In natural medicine, the physician treats the whole person by taking all of these factors into account and by identifying and removing obstacles to normal health and recovery.
Natural medicine is more than 100 years old. Its roots, however, go back through medical history to the healing wisdom of many cultures and times. It is recognized and licensed as a distinct medical profession. The following are included in the study of Naturopathy.
Nutrition
Food (& laughter) is the best medicine. Many conditions can be treated more effectively with dietary changes, the use of whole foods and nutritional supplements, than by any other means. Patients very seldom experience side effects from this type of treatment.
Botanicals/Herbs
Many plant substances are powerful medicines with advantages over conventional drugs. They are effective, safe and strengthen the whole body. Their organic nature makes botanicals compatible with the body’s own chemistry so they are gentle and effective with fewer toxic side effects.
Homeopathic Medicine
This powerful system of medicine is more than 200 years old and is based on the principle of “like cures like.” It is widely used in many countries and is becoming more accepted in the U.S.A.
Hydrotherapy
This is the application of water in any of its forms; hot, cold, ice and steam. Applications include the sitz bath, poultice, hot or cold pack, hot fomentation or wrap. It is highly effective and often underestimated in the treatment of disease as well as in the maintenance of overall health.
Preventive Health Care and Lifestyle Counseling
Prevention and wellness are in the hands of each individual. A well-informed patient and a skilled doctor form a partnership to create effective health care. The root meaning of the word “doctor” is teacher. Patients will receive education about conditions and treatments, and support in the process of making lifestyle changes.
Naturopathic Oath
I dedicate myself to the service of humanity, as a practitioner of the art and science of naturopathic medicine.
I will honor my teachers and all who have preserved and developed this knowledge and dedicate myself to supporting the growth and evolution of Naturopathic medicine.
I will endeavor to continually improve my abilities as a healer through study, reflection and genuine concern for humanity.
I will impart knowledge of the advanced healing arts to dedicated colleagues and students.
Through precept, lecture and example, I will assist and encourage others to strengthen their health, reduce risks for disease, and preserve the health of our planet for ourselves, our families, and future generations.
According to my best ability and judgment, I will use methods of treatment which follow the principles of Naturopathic medicine.
First of all, to do no harm.
To act in cooperation with the Healing Power of Nature.
To address the fundamental causes of disease.
To heal the whole person through individualized treatment.
To teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine.
I will conduct my life and the practice of Naturopathic health care with vigilance, integrity, and freedom from prejudice.
I will abstain from voluntary acts of injustice and corruption.
I will keep confidential whatever I am privileged to witness, whether professionally or privately, that should not be divulged.
With my whole heart, before this gathering of witnesses, as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine,
I pledge to remain true to this oath.
