Why Naturopathic Medicine?
A Brief History.....
The term naturopathy was coined in 1892 to describe a rapidly growing system of natural therapies emphasizing the body’s ability to heal itself. The philosophy and the therapies, which have their origins in Hippocrates and the traditional and indigenous medicines of the world, first became a distinct profession in Germany in the mid-1800s.
In 1896, Dr. Benedict Lust (MD) brought naturopathy to America and established the first naturopathic college.
~The Naturopathic Philosophy~
- First, do no harm- Traditional naturopathy embraces only therapies or procedures designed to enhance healing and produce wellness. Naturopathic doctors use minimally invasive and nontoxic remedies, proven safe and effective by research and clinical practice.
- Recognize the healing power of nature- The human body has the capacity to heal itself and maintain homeostasis. Naturopathy works in harmony with nature to restore and support the body’s natural healing systems. In providing treatment, naturopathic doctors are educated in the use of natural remedies, and refer as appropriate for surgery of pharmaceutical medication.
- Educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility- Naturopathy places responsibility for wellness with the individual. A high value is placed on education and counseling to help patients address lifestyle, nutritional, emotional, and dietary factors under their control.
- Consider the whole person- For individual care, naturopathic doctors consider not only lab results, family history, and physical symptoms but also the mental, emotional, environmental, social, and spiritual factors that affect health.
- Identify and treat the cause- Naturopathic doctors strive to identify and treat the cause of disease. Correction of the cause is considered the most plausible and sustainable way to eliminate symptoms. Rather than using pain killers to reduce joint pain, for example, the doctor would address the medicines, inflammation, conditions, injury, nutritional deficiency, or other causes of the pain.
- Prevent disease- Naturopathic doctors advise patients about preventive measures to maintain health and avoid disease.