Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

• Primum Non Nocere (First Do No Harm) – Utilize assessments and treatments that minimize risk to the patient by using the least force possible.
• Vis Medicatrix Naturae (The Healing Power of Nature) – Respect the body’s inherent ability to heal itself, and act to remove any obstacles that would prevent a cure.
• Tolle Causum (Treat the Cause) – Whenever possible, avoid the suppression of symptoms in favour of treating the cause or “root” of the illness.
• Docere (Doctor as Teacher) – Educate patients, and encourage self-responsibility for health.
• Tolle Totum (Treat the Whole Person) – Take into account all factors in a person’s life that are relevant to his/her health (e.g. physical, cognitive, spiritual, genetic, social, or environmental aspects of health might be examined in an effort to achieve optimum health).
• Praevenio (Prevention) – Emphasize disease prevention and strive to promote health, not only within patients, but also within the community and the world.