The guiding principles of naturopathic medicine are to:
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Recognize the inherent self-healing process within. Identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery in order to facilitate the healing process.
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Seek to identify and remove the underlying cause rather than merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
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Utilize methods and medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful side effects. Avoid, when possible, harmful suppression of symptoms.
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Educate and encourage self-responsibility for health.
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Treat by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, environmental, social and spiritual health.
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Prevent disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility.
The Therapeutic Order
Treatment begins with reestablishing the basis of health. This often means assessing lifestyle choices such as diet, sleep, exercise and hydration.
Once there is a strong foundation then we can begin to stimulate innate healing abilities. In treatment, nutritional counseling or supplementation, herbal preparations, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy or homeopathic formulas may be used.