Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care. It is an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based. These principles are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances. The techniques of naturopathic medicine include modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods. The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice: Naturopathic medicine is based on the following 6 principles:

1. The Healing Power of Nature ( Vis Medicatrix naturae ): Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.

2. Identify and Treat the Causes ( Tolle Causam ) The naturopathic doctor seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.

3. First Do No Harm ( Primum Non Nocere ): Naturopathic doctors follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:

· Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;

· Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms

· Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual and with their self-healing process.

4. Doctor As Teacher ( Docere): Naturopathic doctors educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.

5. Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic doctors treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, spiritual , emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic doctors encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.

6. Prevention: Naturopathic doctors emphasize the prevention of disease while assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.