What is a Naturopathic Physician?
Naturopathic physicians are Licensed Primary Care Providers educated in the diagnosis and evaluation of medical disorders using standard conventional diagnostic procedures, functional diagnostic tools, as well as other methods focusing on the evaluation of the whole person; physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic.
A naturopathic physician, after finishing an undergraduate degree and completing all pre-med requirements, must complete a four to six-year post-graduate medical degree, as well as undergo basic and clinical science national board licensing exams.
Naturopathic physicians are trained in counseling, diet/nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical medicine, minor surgery, and the use of prescriptive drugs.
The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Vis Medicatrix Naturae (The Healing Power of Nature)
Within each of us is the inherent ability to heal and thrive. During times of imbalance the therapies of naturopathic medicine act to gently awaken that healing potential.
Tolle Causam (Identify and Treat The Cause)
Instead of treating symptoms we strive to find the cause.
Primum Non Nocere (First Do No Harm)
As naturopathic physicians we strive to employ treatments that stimulate the body to heal, are non- invasive, and minimize side effects. We also recognize that sometimes to do no harm entails utilizing a greater force.
Docere (Doctor as teacher)
This is truly one of the areas we as naturopathic physicians stand out as we strive to educate, empower, and motivate self-responsibility in our patient's own sense of power and control of their own health.
Holism (Treat The Whole Person)
In order to uncover the root causes of illness naturopathic physicians focus on all aspects of the person; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental.
Prevention
This is the key to wellness in all of its aspects. As naturopathic physicians we strive to employ lifestyle changes that not only treat disease but also maintain wellness.
