What sets apart a naturopathic doctor from doctors in other fields?
Here are the 6 principles that naturopathic doctors abide by when caring for their patients:
1) First Do No Harm
· Utilize the least invasive therapies.
2) The Healing Power of Nature
· Support the body’s innate ability to heal
3) Identify and Treat the Causes
· Identify the root cause of illness instead of only suppressing the symptoms
4) Doctor as Teacher
· Provide the patient education that will empower them to maintain their own health long-term
5) Treat the Whole Person
· Take into account all factors that are interconnected with an individual’s health, i.e. physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental factors
6) Prevention
· Emphasize the prevention of illness and disease by following all other naturopathic principles and implementing appropriate interventions
Let's look at these principles in a real world scenario:
A patient is experiencing heartburn and decides to schedule a naturopathic consultation.
1) A least invasive therapy may be modifying lifestyle factors, such as removing this patient's food intolerances.
2) Acupuncture is another therapy that can help to support the body's healing process.
3) We may identify that this patient has been under a lot of stress or is suffering from a food intolerance so, we will work together on decreasing stress and finding alternatives to the offending food instead of simply suppressing the symptom with an over the counter antacid.
4) We will educate our patient on how the causative factors are contributing to their heartburn and work with their unique case to provide guidance for lasting change.
5) By taking a full history, we are able to discover that this patient is not only bothered with certain foods, but has also had an increased work load leading to heightened stress levels. Both of these factors will be addressed in a treatment plan for a more effective approach.
6) By addressing our patient as a whole, we are able to prevent any further physical harm occurring from an acid imbalance, as well as, decreasing emotional stress and reducing the possibility of them altering social habits due to pain and discomfort.
Consult a naturopathic doctor if you think you may benefit from this approach to care.