What is a Naturopath?
Naturopathic medicine (sometimes called "naturopathy") is a distinct system of primary health care that emphasises prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies. Naturopaths blend centuries-old knowledge and a philosophy that nature is the most effective healer with current research on health and human systems.
Naturopathic diagnosis focuses on identifying the underlying causes of disease, while naturopathic therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy and psychology.
The therapeutic modalities used in naturopathic medicine (including physical manipulation, clinical nutrition and botanical medicine) integrate conventional, scientific and empirical methodology with the ancient laws of nature. The underpinnings of naturopathic medical practice are in six principles :
- First Do No Harm
- The Healing Power of Nature
- Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect
- Treat the Whole Person
- The Physician is a Teacher
- Prevention is the best "cure"