David S. Murphy, ND, CWC

Wellness coaching to help you reach your full potential

Naturopathy

Traditional naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of health care. Naturopaths are health care practitioners whose diverse techniques are based on traditional methods of treatment. The principles of naturopathic medicine are part of what distinguishes the naturopathic approach to health care from the conventional approach. The naturopathic approach is based on objective observation of the nature of health and disease. The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice.

The Healing Power of Nature

Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the body that is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery as well as to facilitate and augment this healing ability.

 First Do No Harm

Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient: (1) Utilize methods and medical substances that minimize the risk of harmful side effects, (2) Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms, and(3) Acknowledge and respect the individual’s healing process.

 Find the Cause

Underlying causes of illness must be identified and removed before complete recovery can occur. The naturopath seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.

 Treat the Whole Person

Naturopaths recognize the body-mind-spirit composition of each person and treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopaths encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.

 Prevention

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

 Doctor as Teacher

The original meaning of the word “doctor” is teacher. One of the main objectives of naturopathic medicine is to educate the patient and emphasize self responsibility for health. Naturopathic physicians also acknowledge the therapeutic value of the doctor-patient relationship.

A wellness coach/naturopath is not a physician and does not diagnose illness or prescribe treatments.

logo