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Naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of primary health care. Naturopathic physicians are primary health care practitioners, whose diverse techniques include both modern and traditional methods of treatment. The principles of naturopathic medicine are part of what distinguishes the naturopathic approach to health care from the conventional approach and are based on objective observation of the nature of health and disease. The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice.
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.
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 (3) Acknowledge and respect the individual’s healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.
Underlying causes of illness must be identified and removed before complete recovery can occur. The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.
Naturopathic physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
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.
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.
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, no matter what dis-ease(s) an individual might experience. If wellness is truly recognized and nurtured within that individual, he/she will more quickly heal, as compared to their healing with direct treatment of the dis-ease alone. (This principle was adopted by Bastyr University and added to the original six principles.)
Source: Bastyr Center for Natural Health
Homeopathy is an energy medicine, which uses plant, mineral or animal substances in dilute amounts to stimulate the innate ability of the vital force (immune system) to heal itself. The Law of Similars, or the concept of “like cures like”, is the basic principle of homeopathy. Each patient is analyzed regarding their unique nature, and the homeopathic remedy is selected based on the totality of the symptoms and sensations, not on the type of disease or diagnosis.
A detoxification diet gives you a break from chemicals such as pesticides, food additives, and heavy metals that are found in the common diet and air and bogs our systems down. Our detox diet emphasizes foods that provide vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that are needed for the body to rejuvenate and repair itself. After a detox, people often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity.
Craniosacral therapy is a light touch energy treatment that works to free up energy tension patterns in the fascia layer – connective tissue that surrounds all of our organs and muscles. Tension patterns can be caused by physical or emotional stress and can disrupt the flow of the natural craniosacral rhythm thereby blocking the body’s innate ability to heal itself. After a craniosacral session, patients feel more balanced and grounded.
FirstLine Therapy is an individualized therapeutic nutritional program. A quick and accurate measurement of your body composition is assessed using a Bioimpedance Analysis, which calculates your body fat in relation to lean body mass. Based on these results, a personalized dietary plan, nutritional supplements and exercise plan are created to help you support your optimal health and well-being.
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