The 6 Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

In naturopathic medicine, there are 6 guiding principles that underpin all that we do. These 6 principles are the foundation upon which naturopathic medicine has been developed and continues to operate today.

Vis Medicatrix Naturae: The Healing Power of Nature

At the core of naturopathic philosophy is the belief in the body's inherent ability to heal itself. All of nature - humans included - has an innate capacity for achieving balance. The human body is equipped with sophisticated mechanisms for self-regulation, self-repair, and maintaining balance (homeostasis). When things are out of balance, this is when we experience disease. Our bodies do not want to exist in an unbalanced, diseased state, and will naturally do what they can to correct this and return to a state of health and balance. As naturopaths, it is our job to simply help the body along on its innate healing process. We do not act upon the body, but act in accordance with it. By harnessing the healing power of nature—through nutrition, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and other natural therapies—individuals can support and enhance the body's innate healing processes, promoting optimal health and well-being.

Tolle Causum: Identify and Treat the Root Cause

This is one of the areas where naturopathy can diverge quite greatly from other medicinal practices. Naturopaths are less concerned with merely alleviating symptoms, and instead are always looking to find the undelrying causes of disease, so that we can correct these causes and help the body to return to harmony. By taking a comprehensive approach to healthcare—considering genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and emotional factors—practitioners aim to uncover the underlying imbalances contributing to disease and restore harmony to the body's systems. This approach allows for personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs and circumstances. For example; if you have headache, rather than reaching for pain relief to mask the symptom (a sore head), we would look to question why you have headache. Are you dehydrated? Perhaps you need water. Are you tired? Perhaps you need sleep. We might also give a pain relief as well, but in this way we are addressing the root cause of the condition.

Primum Non Nocere: First, Do No Harm

This principle may sound very familiar to you. It is one of the guiding principles of modern Western medicine, too. Central to the practice of naturopathic medicine is the principle of non-invasiveness and minimizing the risk of harm to patients. Naturopaths prioritise gentle, natural therapies that support the body's healing process without causing unnecessary side effects or further disruption. By choosing therapies that are safe, effective, and least invasive, naturopaths aim to promote healing while respecting the body's innate wisdom and resilience.

Docere: Doctor as Teacher

Naturopaths do not operate from an authoritarian position, but rather, from a collaborative one. As naturopaths we understand that while we may be the experts in the health condition, and in the healing modalities we use, such as herbal medicine, it is you who is the expert in your own body. We are not here to act upon your body, but to teach you how to help your body to heal itself. In the spirit of empowerment and education, naturopaths serve as guides and educators, empowering patients to take an active role in their health and well-being. Through patient education, naturopaths aim to impart knowledge, inspire self-awareness, and foster healthy lifestyle habits that support long-term wellness. By cultivating a collaborative partnership between practitioner and patient, you can be empowered to make informed decisions and take ownership of your health journey.

Tolle Totum: Treat the Whole Person

Another area where naturopaths can greatly diverge from other healthcare practitioners is that we are often less concerned with diagnostic labels, because we are treating a person, not just a health condition. Each person experiences health and disease uniquely, and therefore our approach for each person is unique. Naturopathic medicine recognises the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit in the maintenance of health and the development of disease. Rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms or organs, naturopaths consider the whole person—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual —in their assessment and treatment approach. By addressing imbalances in multiple dimensions of health and addressing the root causes of illness, true health balance can be achieved.

Praevenire: Prevention is the Best Cure

You have perhaps heard the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This is certainly believed by naturopaths. Preventing disease in the first place is always better than remedying disease once it has occurred and prevention lies at the heart of naturopathic medicine. Through education, lifestyle modification, and early intervention, naturopaths empower individuals to cultivate resilience, strengthen their immune system, and create a foundation of wellness that supports long-term vitality. By addressing risk factors, promoting healthy habits, and fostering a proactive approach to health maintenance, you can enjoy a higher quality of life and reduce your risk of chronic illness.

These principles are the framework from which my approach to practice has been built and is at the core of my approach to healing. If you feel called to learn more about naturopathy, or would like to know how naturopathy can help you with a health issue or even for general wellness support, click here to organise your free 20 minute online chat today.

About the Author

Lizzie Stow is a clinical naturopath from Newcastle, Australia.

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