Naturopathic doctors are trained specialists in a separate and distinct healing art that uses non-invasive natural medicine and treatments. They are not orthodox (allopathic) medical doctors (M.D.s). Naturopathic Doctors (N.D.s) are conventionally trained in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, counseling, dietary evaluations, nutrition, Herbology, acupresure, muscle relaxation and structural normalization, homeopathy, iridiology, and clinical kinisiology.

Naturopathic doctors tailor the healing modality tot he needs of the individual with methods that are effective for both chronic and acute problems. naturopathic doctors cooperate with all branches of medical science, referring individuals to other practitioner for diagnosis for treatment when appropriate.

In practice, naturopathic doctors perform lifestyle analysis, non-invasive laboratory testing, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis and other evaluative procedures. They are trained to use a wide variety of natural methods theat involve the individual in the healing process. Naturopathy is based upon a belief in the body's innate God-given natural ability to heal itself when given appropriate internal and external healing environment. Naturopaths are into involved in the practice of medicine and consequently do not perform surgery or abortions, and do not use or prescribe pharmaceuticals drugs. N.D.s have often been referred to as "drugless doctors." In reality, naturopathy deals with wellness and relief from conditions that result from stress whether from mental, nutritional, environmental or physical factors.

The Guiding Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Do no harm or Primum non nocere is taken from the Hippocratic Oath
Certainly someone who is sick does not need any tratment or therapy that can harm him/her. Since prescription medication has such a potential to make a well person sick, may wonder how it can be expected to make a sick person well. Traditional naturopathy embraces only therapies or procedures that are designed to enhance healing and produce wellness.

Recognize the healing power of nature or Vis medicatrix naturae
The human body is created with the capacity to heal itself and to maintain homeostasis or balance. There is a healing power in nature and this principle is the basis for all of naturopathy. Naturopathy is a system designed to work in harmony with nature in the restoration and support for the inherent natural healing systems of the body.

Identify the Cause or tolle causam
The name of a disease, in allopathic medicine, is actually the name of the symptom in Greek. For example, the term "arthritis" comes from the two Greek words that together mean "joint pain or inflammation". Allopathic doctors seek to treat the joint by reducing the joint pain, that is, they usually try to treat the symptoms. In the case of joint pain this may be done by using pain killers or nerve blockers. Naturopaths are committed to removing the joint pain by finding and removing the cause. Perhaps this may prove to be a calcium and/or mineral deficiency caused by either a primary or secondary nutritional deficiency. Or perhaps the cause could be from an injury or possibly from an over acid condition in the body. For naturopaths, the correction of the cause is the most plausible way of eliminating the symptoms and restoring health to the person.

Involve the Total Person
Naturopathic doctors are aware that a person can have a physical, spiritual or emotional illness. The chosen therapy is deterined by what kind of problem the person is experiencing. You can not be well or healthy if you have a spiritual mental problem even if you appear perfectly fit. Naturopathy may use various counseling, stress management, and bio-feedback techniques for those experiencing emotional or spiritual problems.

Identify the source
Other than in the case of trauma-type injuries, the body usually does not develop a condition from a single factor. dis-ease usually is the consequence of a number of health debilitation factors that have weakened the body. Germs are considered the culprit for many conditions found by allopathic physicians. Naturopaths understand that germs are a normal part of the economy of the earth and that they are put here by the Creator to destroy sick, weakened and devitalized tissues in the body. The body needs to have its tissues revitalized to reverse the disease process. This explains why when two people are exposed to the same germs only one of them may get sick (the person with the devitalized tissues).

Prevent Disease
It is good that there are effective ways, based on natural restorative methods, to revitalize the body. however, it is better for the body not to experience imbalances and their resulting consequences. Naturopaths advise clients on simple dis-ease prevention principles that designed to produce health and avoid the destructive consequences that occur from violating health principles.