Naturopathic physicians are guided by six fundamental principles:

First, to do no harm

Primum Non Nocere
Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient:

Support the healing power of nature

Vis Medicatrix Naturae
The practice of Naturopathic Medicine recognizes an ordered and intelligent self-healing process that is inherent in each individual. Naturopathic Doctors work to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to facilitate and augment this natural self-healing ability.

Address the fundamental causes of disease

Tolle Causum
The Naturopathic Doctor seeks to identify and remove the underlying root causes of illness, rather than to eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.

Physician as teacher

Docere
Naturopathic Doctors educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for optimal health. Naturopathic Doctors work together with patients by sharing knowledge and information to create a successful treatment plan.

Heal the whole person

Tolle Totum
In addition to addressing specific complaints or symptoms, Naturopathic Doctors look at the 'whole picture’ of each individual. The physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and spiritual factors contributing to the health of each patient are considered.

Emphasize prevention

Naturopathic Doctors emphasize prevention of disease by assessing risk factors including heredity, lifestyle and environmental aspects that may contribute to a susceptibility toward disease in each patient. Appropriate interventions can then be made in cooperation with patients to prevent illness and promote wellness.