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Naturopathic medicine
is a distinct profession of primary health care, emphasizing prevention,
treatment and the promotion of optimal health through the use of therapeutic
methods and modalities, which encourage the self-healing process, the vis
medicatrix naturae. Naturopathic practice blends centuries-old knowledge
of natural, nontoxic therapies with current advances in the understanding of
health and human systems. The scope of practice includes all aspects of
family and primary care, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and all natural
medicine modalities.
Most naturopathic doctors (NDs) provide
primary care natural medicine through office-based, private practice. Many
receive additional training in disciplines or modalities such as midwifery,
acupuncture and Oriental medicine, homeopathy, psychotherapy, and functional
and environmental medicine to broaden the services they can offer their
patients. An increasing trend is the establishment of associate practices
and interdisciplinary integrated care clinics, bringing together the
services of a diverse group of practitioners.
Naturopathic
diagnosis and therapeutics are supported by scientific research drawn from
peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic
medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical
nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and
spirituality. Information technology and new concepts in clinical outcomes
assessment are particularly well-suited to evaluating the effectiveness of
naturopathic treatment protocols and are being used in research, both at
naturopathic medical schools and in the offices of practicing physicians.
Clinical research into natural therapies has become an increasingly
important focus for naturopathic physicians.
The
six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of
naturopathic medicine include:
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First
Do No Harm - primum non-nocere
Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.
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The
Healing Power of Nature - vis medicatrix naturae
The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The
physician's role is
to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.
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Discover
and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect - tolle causam
Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms
are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The
origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.
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Treat
the Whole Person - tolle totum
The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating
the whole person. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet
individual health care needs.
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The
Physician is a Teacher - docere
The physician's major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients
to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy
cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic
value.
- Prevention
is the best "cure"
Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians
assess patient risk factors and hereditary susceptibility and intervene
appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is
best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.
To
find out more about Naturopathic Medicine, please call Dr.
Joseph Katzinger at our North City clinic at (206) 524-1330
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