What is Naturopathic Medicine - ND principles, by Dr Ceilidh Flanagan
Each May Naturopathic Medicine week is celebrated in Canada. This week is all about education and sharing what Naturopathic Medicine is and what it can do for patients. What better way to do that than describe the principles that all Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) practice by:
Our 6 Principles:
1. First, Do No Harm
- NDs approach care by utilizing the most natural, least invasive therapies necessary. Although they can often come with fewer risks or side effects, NDs understand that herbs and supplements have potential for harm, and work to educate patients of those risks in order to gain full informed consent before treatment.
2. Harness the Healing Power of Nature
- NDs recognize the value of our natural world in assisting the healing process. Not only do NDs utilize substances that originate in nature, but they also incorporate a healthy natural environment as foundational to human health. Naturopathic Doctors recognize and harness the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself to guide patients to wellness and total health.
3. Identify and Treat the Root Cause
- Extensive history taking and ample time spent in one-on-one consults help NDs learn all about their patient’s health history. This helps us identify what could be causing the patient’s symptoms and help both the doctor and patient understand how they all connect. Treatments are aimed to not only provide symptomatic relief but to address the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure in order for the patient to achieve true wellness.
4. Doctor as Teacher
- Naturopathic doctors work to elevate patient health literacy. Educating and supporting patients on personal health management is an important role for NDs. They empower patients to take responsibility for their own health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
5. Treat the Whole Person
- This is a holistic concept that recognizes the body as an integrated whole. Naturopathic doctors treat the patient, not the disease. A naturopathic assessment addresses the nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors in a person’s life, and works to put the puzzle pieces together to determine how best to support the patient’s health goals.
6. Prevention
- Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is better to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible. Through their comprehensive practice, NDs combine all six principles to identify potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well.
This treatment style can be a fantastic complement to your health team. If you feel you’re missing this piece, have been searching for this style of treatment, or are curious to learn more about what Naturopathic Medicine can do for you, call us at the ProActive Health Centre, or go online to book a FREE 15-minute discovery call with Dr. Ceilidh Flanagan, ND.
