The Six Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine

The foundations of how naturopaths approach patient care. You can trust that a professional and qualified Naturopath will be applying these foundations throughout your whole treatment of care.

1. The Healing Power of Nature

2. First Do No Harm

3. Treat the Whole Person

4. Treat the Cause

5. Naturopath as Teacher

6. Prevention

1. The Healing Power of Nature

This foundation refers to the body's natural healing processes and the Naturopaths role to support these processes by identifying removing obstacles to health. e.g., poor nutrition.

2. First Do No Harm

Use methods and medicinal substances that are least invasive and reduce exposure to risk (side effects). The Naturopath uses their knowledge to be able to identify and apply the safest treatments to the patient.

3. Treat the Whole Person

Naturopaths treat not just the body, but treat state of mind and mental functioning, emotional state, exposures in environment and the nature of family and social relationships and spirituality. This is done by asking relevant questions that gains insight into the patients way of living.

4. Treat the Cause

Identify and remove causes of illness before recovery can occur. e.g., poor nutrition causing acne breakouts. This is done by asking you historical questions relating to your whole body systems.

5. Doctor as Teacher

The original meaning for 'doctor' is teacher. Doctor as teacher means to educate the patient and encourage the self-responsibility for health. The Naturopath can educate, but it is your responsibility to use that knowledge and apply it yourself.

6. Prevention

The prevention of disease and the attainment of optimal health in patients. A Naturopath will strive to ensure the patient is educated in the healthy ways of living and provide tools to achieve this.