Primum Non Nocere (first do no harm)
Naturopathic physicians follow three precepts to avoid harming the patient:

• Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful effects, applying the least possible force or intervention necessary to diagnose illness and restore health.
• Whenever possible, the suppression of symptoms is avoided as suppression generally interferes with the healing process.
• Naturopathic physicians respect and work with the vis medicatrix naturae in diagnosis, treatment and counseling. This self-healing process must be respected in order to move forward on the path to health. (enhance each individual’s health.)

Vis Medicatrix Naturae (the healing power of nature)

• The healing power of nature is the inherent self-organizing and healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains and restores health.
• Naturopathic medicine recognizes this healing process to be ordered and intelligent. All living systems gravitate towards homeostasis innately.
• More often than not, we are our own obstacle to cure.
• It is the naturopathic physician’s role to support, facilitate and augment this process by identifying and removing obstacles to health and recovery, supporting the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.

Tolle Causum (identify and treat the cause)

• Illness does not occur without cause and causes originate in a myriad of areas.
• The underlying causes of illness and disease must be identified and removed before complete recovery can occur.
• Symptoms are expressions of the body’s attempt to defend itself, to adapt and recover, or to heal itself.
• The naturopathic physician seeks to treat the causes of disease, rather than merely eliminate or suppress the symptoms.
• Naturopathic medicine is not about offering a natural substance instead of a pharmaceutical for palliative care. Instead naturopathic medicine seeks to cure by treating the original cause of imbalance.

Docere (doctor as teacher)

• The origin of the word “doctor” comes from the latin “docere” meaning to teach.
• A principal objective of naturopathic medicine is to educate the patient and emphasize self-responsibility for health.
• With more information, the patient can make more educated decisions about the therapeutic option which is best for her/him.
• Naturopathic physicians also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.

Tolle Totum (treat the whole person)

• Health and disease result from a complex of physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors.
• Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all of these factors into account.
• Naturopathic medicine recognizes the harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual as being essential to health.
• The multifarious nature of health and disease requires a personalized and comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.
• Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.

Prevenir (prevention)

• The prevention of disease and the attainment of optimal health in patients are primary objectives of naturopathic medicine.
• In practice, these objectives are accomplished through education and the promotion of healthy ways of living.
• Naturopathic physicians assess risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease to make appropriate interventions in partnership with their clients to prevent illness.