Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine combines the wisdom of centuries-old non-toxic natural therapies with the modern diagnostic tools of a primary care physician.   In the state of Washington, naturopathic physicians are recognized as primary care physicians. We are able to order diagnostic lab tests, MRI, CT, X-Ray and to refer to specialists when necessary. Though we prefer holistic therapies, we have prescriptive rights for most medications such as antibiotics and hormone therapies.

Naturopathic Medicine is guided by six different principles that focus on treating the whole person.   Naturopathic physicians strive to find the cause of disease and to eliminate it by enhancing the bodies own mechanisms to heal. We also work at the same time to prevent disease from manifesting. Naturopathic physicians utilize therapies such as nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle counseling, therapeutic exercise, general psychological counseling and physical medicine such as bone manipulation and hydrotherapy.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
These principles are what defines the naturopathic physician and the guide in their treatment.

1. The Healing Power of Nature
Vis Medicatrix Naturae
Nature acts powerfully through healing mechanisms in the body and mind to maintain and restore health. Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support these inherent healing systems when they have broken down, by using methods, medicines and techniques that are in harmony with natural processes.

2. First Do No Harm
Primum non nocere
Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects. They are trained to know which patients they can treat safely, and which ones they need to refer to other health care practitioners.

3. Find the Cause
Tolle Causam
Every illness has an underlying cause, often in aspects of the lifestyle, diet or habits of the individual. A Naturopathic Physician is trained to find and remove the underlying cause of a disease.

4. Treat the Whole Person
Health or disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking these factors into account.

5. Preventive Medicine
The naturopathic approach to health care can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative diseases. Patients are taught the principles with which to live a healthy life; by following these principles they can prevent major illnesses.