Naturopathic Medicine

• Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of both natural and conventional therapies. While the roots of naturopathic medicine date back to the 1890s, naturopathic medicine has witnessed a rapid increase in public interest in recent years as a result of the growing consumer movement to solve the health care puzzle using prevention, wellness and respect for nature's inherent healing ability.
  
• Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) are licensed primary care providers in 23 US states, 5 Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. They blend centuries-old knowledge that nature is the most effective healer with current evidence-based research on health and human systems.
  
• Naturopathic medicine 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, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, chiropractic medicine, pharmacognosy, psychology and spirituality.
  
• The therapeutic modalities used in naturopathic medicine (including physical medicine, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and others) integrate conventional, scientific, and empirical methodology with the ancient laws of nature. 

We recognize the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Our goal is to identify and remove obstacles to recovery to facilitate this healing ability.

We seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.

Use methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects. Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms. Acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to resolve the presenting problem.

We educate each person and encourage self-responsibility for health. We also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the relationship a person forms with their practitioner.

We take into account physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental, and social factors.

We emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors, evaluation of hereditary susceptibility to disease, and take appropriate measures to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.