Naturopathic medicine is a distinct practice of primary health care; emphasizing prevention, treatment and the promotion of optimal health. At SNC, our physicians approach and heal clients by following the core principles of naturopathic medicine:
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in every person and acts to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery.
Identify and Treat the Causes (ToIle Causam): Naturopathic physicians seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
- Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;
- Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms;
- Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual’s self-healing process.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health.
Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors.
Prevention: Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to illness. Naturopathic medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
